Is law going to be replaced by AI?

Asked by: Dr. Madalyn White I  |  Last update: February 19, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (2 votes)

Based on current industry analysis and trends as of late 2025, law is not expected to be fully replaced by AI, but it is undergoing a profound transformation. While AI is automating routine, high-volume, and time-consuming tasks—often performed by junior associates and paralegals—it cannot replace the nuanced, human-centered judgment, strategic thinking, and ethical responsibility required for legal practice.

Are lawyers going to be replaced by AI?

Strategic decisions cannot be automated and outsourced to AI. AI can tell a company what the law says, but an attorney can explain what it means in the context of a specific company. AI can assist attorneys in their work and facilitate certain stages of the process, but it cannot replace the work of an attorney.

Are laws being put in place for AI?

Several states and municipalities, including California, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, and New York City, have enacted laws or regulations that impose restrictions on the use and development of AI, including transparency obligations, notice requirements, antidiscrimination protections, and guardrails to protect safety.

Which 3 jobs will survive AI?

Which Jobs Are Safest from AI and Automation?

  • Health Care: Nurses, doctors, therapists, and counselors.
  • Education: Teachers, instructors, and school administrators.
  • Creative: Musicians, artists, writers, and journalists.
  • Personal Services: Hairdressers, cosmetologists, personal trainers, and coaches.

How will the law change with AI?

How AI could shape the future of large law firms. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognized as a transformative force in the legal industry. For large law firms, the adoption of AI tools offers the promise of enhanced productivity, new capabilities, and improved client outcomes.

Top 20 Jobs AI Will Replace

20 related questions found

What jobs cannot be replaced by AI?

Jobs AI can't replace focus on uniquely human traits like deep empathy, nuanced judgment, complex social interaction, and high-level creativity, including roles in healthcare (therapists, nurses), education (teachers), creative arts (artists, writers), and skilled trades (electricians, plumbers), as well as strategic roles like lawyers and HR managers, where human connection, ethics, and unpredictable problem-solving are paramount. 

Is it worth it to be a lawyer in 2025?

Pursing a Career in the Legal Field

For those considering their future in the legal profession, a juris doctor degree remains a valuable and worthwhile investment in 2025. While it requires commitment and careful planning, the opportunities that come from earning a JD extend far beyond the traditional role of attorney.

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

Yes, jobs paying over $400,000 without a college degree exist, with Walmart Store Managers being a prominent example due to increased bonuses and stock, while other high earners include roles in enterprise tech sales, commercial real estate, high-level trades (like nuclear operators, air traffic controllers), and self-made entrepreneurs/influencers, all relying on high skill, performance, and market demand, not just degrees, according to sources from Tallo and The Wall Street Journal. 

What is the $900,000 AI job?

A $900,000 AI job refers to a high-paying role, famously a Machine Learning Product Manager at Netflix, that gained attention in 2023, highlighting intense demand for AI talent with compensation packages including substantial bonuses and stock, rather than just base salary, for roles like AI/ML Engineers, Research Scientists, and NLP Engineers. These roles focus on building AI platforms, integrating AI for business value, and require deep technical skills, commanding massive salaries due to high demand and specialized expertise.
 

What jobs are 100% safe from AI?

Healthcare Professionals - Nurses - Doctors - Therapists - Counselors Human empathy, emotional intelligence, and complex decision-making skills are essential in healthcare. # 2. Creative Professions - Artists - Writers - Musicians - Designers Originality, creativity, and imagination are difficult to replicate with AI.

What is the 30% rule in AI?

The "30% rule" in AI is a guideline suggesting that AI should handle about 30% of a task, while humans perform the remaining 70%, focusing on critical thinking, creativity, and ethical oversight, rather than full replacement. It serves as a balance to use AI as an augmentation tool for productivity (like drafting content or data analysis) while preserving essential human judgment, ensuring AI supports, rather than replaces, human expertise in complex roles.
 

Is law in danger from AI?

The key question for the legal community is not whether AI will have an impact, but rather how it will reshape the profession. Instead of being seen as a future threat, at least for now, AI should be viewed as a tool that can complement and enhance lawyers' work.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
 

Can paralegals make $100,000?

Yes, experienced senior paralegals in specialized fields, large firms, or major markets can absolutely earn $100,000 or more, especially in roles like Paralegal Managers or specialized areas like Intellectual Property, with factors like experience, location (e.g., NYC, Silicon Valley), and employer size being key determinants. While the median salary is lower, achieving a six-figure income is realistic through strategic career moves like gaining certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, and working in lucrative markets or large corporations.
 

Do lawyers have a good future?

Job Outlook. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 31,500 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

What jobs will be gone by 2030?

By 2030, jobs involving repetitive tasks, data entry, customer service, and routine administration are at high risk of disappearing or significantly shrinking due to AI, automation, and digital transformation, including roles like data entry clerks, telemarketers, bank tellers, cashiers, assembly line workers, administrative assistants, and travel agents. Automation impacts both blue-collar roles (manufacturing, logistics) and white-collar tasks (bookkeeping, basic legal, customer support), with significant shifts expected across sectors like retail, finance, transportation, and administrative support. 

What tech jobs pay $400,000 a year?

Tech jobs paying $400k+ usually involve senior leadership, specialized AI/ML, deep infrastructure, or high-stakes quantitative roles, including CTO/Director of IT, Principal/Staff Software Engineers, AI/ML Research Scientists, Cloud Architects, and Quantitative Developers (Quants), often found in Big Tech, finance, or high-growth AI startups, with compensation including salary, bonuses, and equity. Roles in Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Product Management at high levels can also reach this threshold. 

What engineer can make $500,000 a year?

Engineers making $500k+ are typically senior-level software engineers at top tech companies (like Staff, Principal, or Director roles), specialized engineers in high-demand fields (AI, Cloud, Semiconductors, Petroleum), or those in leadership/highly technical consulting roles, often leveraging substantial equity and bonuses for total compensation. While software is a major path, high earners can also be found in fields like chemical, electrical, and aerospace, especially with niche expertise or in senior management. 

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Earning $2000 daily often involves high-skill freelancing (consulting, specialized writing), high-ticket sales, advanced digital marketing (SEO, funnel building), or specialized gig economy work (luxury pet care, event services), with some paths like content creation or e-commerce taking significant time to scale; quick cash might come from selling valuable items or intense gig work (Uber, TaskRabbit, Rover), while long-term potential lies in building assets like courses or membership sites. 

How much is $60,000 a year hourly?

$60,000 a year is approximately $28.85 per hour, calculated by dividing the annual salary by 2,080 work hours in a year (40 hours/week x 52 weeks/year). This is your gross pay before taxes and deductions, and it can change if you work more or fewer hours than the standard 40 per week. 

What do the top 1% of lawyers make?

The top 1% of lawyers earn well into the high six figures to millions annually, with top "Big Law" associates hitting $400k+ quickly, and partners/specialists (like patent attorneys) exceeding $500k-$1M+, depending heavily on location, firm size (Big Law pays most), and specialization (corporate, IP, tax). Entry-level salaries at top firms can start around $215k+, while partners in successful firms can earn $500k to over $1M. 

Has Kim Kardashian taken the LSAT?

Kim takes the California Bar Exam's “baby bar” without completing a bachelor's degree or taking the LSAT. Kim continues to balance her legal pursuits with media and business ventures, using her platform for criminal justice reform advocacy.

How old is the youngest lawyer?

The youngest lawyer is generally considered to be Sophia Park, who passed the California bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother Peter's previous record, though she'll be sworn in and licensed in March 2025 after turning 18, as most jurisdictions require lawyers to be 18. She accelerated her education, starting law school at 13 while in junior high and graduating early.