Law in the Era of AI: Clients, Firms, and the Future of the Legal Industry

‘In this important book, Bjarne Tellmann reminds lawyers that the corporate legal services market follows developments in the corporate world not the other way around. In straightforward prose, Tellmann demonstrates that as companies transform to AI Factories, legal departments – and eventually, even traditional law firms – will have to follow suit. It should be required reading for both consumers and producers of legal services.’David B. Wilkins, Lester Kissel Professor of Law and Director of the Center on the Legal Profession, Harvard Law School‘Bjarne Tellmann delivers what no doubt will become one of the seminal books law firm leaders rely on to make better decisions, joining the ranks of Richard Susskind, David Wilkins, Heidi Gardner and others. At a moment when everyone is thinking about how to integrate genAI into the client service model and deliver greater value to the business, he amplifies the voice of our clients and thus provides a clear and uniquely valuable roadmap.’ Mitch Zuklie, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP‘The question on everyone’s lips is whether we will finally see a disruption to a business model that has stubbornly resisted change for close to a century. Bjarne makes a compelling case that it will - and shows how legal service providers can pivot to outcome-based models and thrive in the AI era. Essential reading for anyone determined to stay relevant.’ Maaike de Bie, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, Vodafone Group plcA deeply informed discussion of the future of the practice of law in the age of AI In Law in the Era of AI: Clients, Firms, and the Future of the Legal Industry, seasoned public company general counsel Bjarne P. Tellmann, draws on 30+ years of global legal experience to explore how AI-enabled clients will transform the legal profession. As technology reshapes corporate structures and decision-making, legal departments are evolving at unprecedented speed. Tellmann examines the forces driving this shift and reveals what it means for law firms, in-house teams, and the future of legal services, offering a roadmap for leaders navigating this era of disruption. This is a powerful story of technological, organizational, and competitive change that no legal leader can afford to ignore.Drawing on both research and firsthand insights, Tellmann offers a rare, client-centric perspective on the future of the legal profession. Tellmann walks you through how in-house legal departments have evolved, what they look like today, and where they’re likely heading. He reveals how shifts in the structure of multinational corporations are reshaping the way in-house counsel deliver legal services, which in turn is creating pressures that will disrupt the law firm model itself.Law in the Era of AIalso discusses why the traditional law firm model is misaligned with evolving client trends and why, despite consistent and growing pressure, firms remain resistant to change and unable to adapt. It also explores what the law firm model might look like in the AI Era and what alternative legal service models could emerge as the industry shifts.The book also:Examines the traditional structure of law firms serving commercial clients and why the old “billable hour and pyramid structure” model is so ill-suited to the present moment.Explores emerging legal services models that may evolve alongside traditional firms, including marketplace platforms, “Big Four”-inspired legal services organisations, and corporate law firms.Outlines strategic pathways that law firms can take now to prepare for the changes to come.Perfect for leaders of in-house legal teams, strategic legal leadership at commercially oriented firms of all sizes, and alternative legal service providers, Law in the Era of AIis an invaluable peek into what the future may hold for the legal industry as technological, regulatory, and societal changes promise to alter longstanding assumptions and traditions in the practice of law. Read more