Will lawyers be needed in the era of artificial intelligence?

On 7 October, Law students of Narxoz College met with Maxim Zhigailov, Head of the Legal Department at Qazaq Republic and co-founder of the Legata ProTalks legal club.

The speaker explained how artificial intelligence is changing the profession. According to Thomson Reuters, 41% of law firms and 47% of corporate legal departments already use generative AI. It finds clauses in contracts, compares documents, prepares first drafts and analyses large sets of files. This is the work a junior lawyer usually starts with.

However, “can do” does not mean “does it correctly”. AI may invent a legal norm or cite a case that does not exist, so checking sources and answering for the result remains a human job. A lawyer’s value is shifting from the text to the decision: assessing risk, choosing a strategy, negotiating and taking responsibility.

Students received ten practical tips. These included finding a specialisation where law meets technology, finance and business, developing communication skills, applying AI to real tasks and building a personal brand.

The main conclusion of the meeting: lawyers will be needed, but not just any lawyers. There is no point in competing with AI on speed. It matters more to develop fundamental knowledge, thinking and the ability to work with technology.

We thank Maxim Zhigailov for an insightful session and an open dialogue with our students!