Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how lawyers work. Many attorneys now use AI tools for daily tasks. However, this growth also raises concerns about training, privacy, and ethics.
A new report from Wolters Kluwer examines these changes. Its 2026 Future Ready Lawyer survey looks at how lawyers use AI and the problems they face.
The findings show that using AI requires more than learning new tools. Lawyers must also check results, protect client data, and follow professional rules.
AI Adoption Grows in Law Firms
Wolters Kluwer surveyed 810 lawyers for its 2026 Future Ready Lawyer report. The participants worked in law firms and corporate legal departments.
They came from the United States, China, and eight European countries. The survey took place online from August 8 to August 25, 2025.
One finding stands out:
92% of respondents use at least one AI tool in their daily work.
This result shows how common AI has become in legal practice. Lawyers now use technology to support research, review documents, and handle other tasks.
However, many lawyers still face problems when using these tools. The survey points to training, privacy, and ethical concerns.
AI Training and Privacy Challenges
Wolters Kluwer found two major barriers to wider AI use. Ethical and data privacy concerns tied with a lack of training.
Both issues received 39% of responses. As a result, they ranked as the most common barriers in the survey.
These findings show why proper training matters. AI can help lawyers work faster. However, they must know how to check its results and avoid mistakes.
Why AI Training Matters for Lawyers
AI tools can help lawyers with research and other daily tasks. However, lawyers must still check the work before using it.
For example, attorneys should verify every case and legal source found through AI. They must also check quotes, facts, and legal arguments.
Lawyers should also know which AI tools their firms allow. Furthermore, they must protect client information and follow firm policies.
These skills matter in many practice areas. Litigation, business law, legal research, and legal operations all require careful review.
Therefore, lawyers need both technical skills and sound judgment. They must know when to use AI and when to check its work.
What AI Adoption Means for Legal Careers
The survey offers useful lessons for lawyers planning their careers. However, it does not mean every law firm requires AI experience.
Instead, job seekers should show how they use technology in a careful and responsible way.
During job interviews, attorneys can explain how they:
- Check AI-generated research and legal sources.
- Protect private client information.
- Follow their firm’s AI policies.
- Review documents before submitting them.
- Ask for help when using new tools.
These examples show that a lawyer understands the risks of AI. They also help employers see the candidate’s approach to legal work.
Furthermore, candidates can ask firms about their AI policies during interviews.
Questions Attorneys Should Ask Law Firms
Lawyers should understand how a firm uses AI before accepting a new role.
For example, candidates can ask how the firm trains lawyers to use AI tools. They can also ask which tasks need extra review.
Another useful question concerns supervision. How do senior lawyers check work completed with AI?
These questions can help candidates understand the firm’s work process. However, they should not assume that every firm uses the same tools.
Instead, candidates should review current job postings and official firm materials. These sources offer the best details about job duties and work requirements.
Why Legal AI Needs Human Judgment
The Wolters Kluwer survey shows that AI use is growing across the legal field. However, wider use also brings new concerns.
Although 92% of respondents use AI tools daily, many still worry about privacy, ethics, and training.
Therefore, lawyers must learn how to check AI-generated work. They must also know how to protect client data and avoid errors.
For law students and young attorneys, these skills can help prepare them for future roles. Understanding AI and its limits can also support career growth.
AI may change how lawyers handle daily tasks. However, it cannot replace professional judgment and responsibility.
As more law firms adopt new technology, proper training will become even more important. Lawyers who use AI carefully can better protect their clients and maintain the quality of their work.
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Legal AI Adoption Highlights Need for Better Lawyer Training first appeared on
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