Is AI the end of lawyers, or the beginning of access to justice?

Fast Company Tech

by Ray Brescia

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

For decades, a legal degree was seen as a secure career choice, with few questioning whether robots could ever replace lawyers. However, recent advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked concerns among the profession, as consumers increasingly turn to AI tools for affordable answers to their legal questions without lawyer involvement. While this shift has created opportunities for legal technology startups and disrupted traditional models, it also raises significant ethical and practical challenges. The high cost of legal services has long excluded many Americans from accessing justice, leaving tens of millions without proper representation when facing critical issues like eviction, deportation, or foreclosure. This gap has been exacerbated by the rise of AI tools that promise quick solutions but often deliver inaccurate or fabricated legal advice, leading to harmful outcomes in court. These "AI hallucinations" highlight the risks of relying on unverified technologies, particularly for those without alternative access to professional legal help. Historically, the legal profession faced similar disruptions during industrialization and the introduction of basic technologies like the telephone and typewriter. Yet, barriers to entry were erected—such as expensive legal educations and challenging bar exams—that artificially inflated costs and limited access to legal services. Today, the threat of AI displacement is more significant than ever, but it also presents an opportunity for lawyers to adapt and innovate. Instead of resisting technology, the profession could harness AI to expand affordable, scalable solutions that meet the needs of underserved populations. The key lies in finding a balance between traditional legal expertise and modern tools. While there are situations where human lawyers remain indispensable—for complex cases or criminal charges—the demand for accessible legal services cannot be ignored. Tools like CitizenshipWorks

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Originally published on Fast Company Tech on 2/26/2026