What impact will AI have on the junior Lawyer role? And what it means for your legal team structure

Author Tobias Herweijer
september 26, 2025

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in the legal industry – it’s already reshaping how legal services are delivered, how legal work is structured and how legal teams are built.

For in-house legal teams in the Netherlands, the rise of AI tools is having a profound impact on junior Lawyer roles and the broader legal profession.

As recruiters specialising in legal, risk and compliance, we’re seeing firsthand how the use of AI is influencing hiring decisions, skillset requirements and team dynamics.

Here’s what these changes mean for General Counsels, Heads of Legal and HR leaders planning their legal team structure in an AI-driven environment.

The evolving role of junior Lawyers

Junior Lawyers have traditionally been responsible for time-consuming tasks such as legal research, document review, contract drafting and case law analysis. These routine tasks are now being automated by AI-powered platforms, including generative AI tools like ChatGPT. The legal industry is increasingly adopting AI-assisted workflows to streamline operations and reduce administrative burden.

But this doesn’t mean junior Lawyer roles are disappearing. Instead, they are evolving. Junior lawyers are now expected to interpret AI-generated output, apply legal principles to complex scenarios and manage legal tech systems. Their role is becoming more strategic, requiring a broader skillset that includes critical thinking, adaptability and a strong understanding of how to leverage AI tools effectively.

The impact of AI on the legal profession is multifaceted. On one hand, AI tools offer efficiency, speed and cost savings. They can automate repetitive legal work, reduce billable hours and improve access to legal services. On the other hand, they introduce complexity around ethics, overreliance and the need for human oversight.

Law firms and in-house teams alike are grappling with how to integrate AI without compromising quality. While AI can assist with tasks like contract analysis and compliance monitoring, it cannot replace the nuanced thinking required in areas such as litigation strategy, regulatory interpretation or client advisory work.

As AI becomes embedded in legal workflows, legal teams must adapt. But adaptation doesn’t mean downsizing – it means restructuring with purpose. For General Counsels and Heads of Legal, this involves:

  • Planning for skills evolution: Junior Lawyers need to be hired not just for their academic credentials but for their ability to work alongside AI tools. This includes understanding how to use AI responsibly, how to validate AI-generated insights and how to apply them in real-world legal scenarios
  • Investing in mentorship and development: The rise of AI makes mentorship more important than ever. Junior Lawyers must be guided in how to think strategically, how to question AI output and how to develop judgment that AI cannot replicate
  • Building sustainable legal teams: AI may automate certain tasks, but it cannot replace the human element of legal practice. Legal teams must be structured to combine technological efficiency with deep legal expertise. This means hiring junior Lawyers who can grow into senior roles, supported by training and exposure to complex legal work
  • Strategic hiring for niche roles: AI is not a substitute for specialised legal knowledge. Roles in regulatory law, intellectual property, trade compliance and financial services law remain difficult to fill and require targeted recruitment. These are areas where AI tools can assist but not lead. Working with a recruiter who understands the legal landscape ensures access to the right talent

The role of law firms and in-house teams

Law firms are increasingly using AI to enhance service delivery, but in-house teams must take a different approach. While law firms may focus on efficiency and billable hours, in-house teams are focused on risk management, compliance and strategic advisory. This means the use of AI must be tailored to the organisation’s goals.

In-house legal teams must also consider how AI affects collaboration with external counsel. As law firms adopt AI tools, in-house teams need to understand how these tools influence the advice they receive, the cost structures involved and the expectations around legal work quality.

Why exclusive recruitment partnerships matter

In a market where junior Lawyer roles are evolving and niche roles are hard to fill, exclusive recruitment partnerships offer a clear advantage. You avoid the inefficiencies of sifting through hundreds of CVs and gain access to pre-qualified candidates who match your specific needs – including those with experience in AI-assisted legal work.

At Taylor Root, we help legal teams in the Netherlands hire senior in-house counsel efficiently and exclusively. Our network includes legal professionals who understand the impact of AI on the legal profession and who are equipped to deliver high-quality legal services in a changing legal landscape.

We also help employers to find junior Lawyers with the right mindset, adaptability and potential to thrive in AI-driven environments. Whether you’re hiring for legal research, compliance, regulatory advisory or niche legal roles, we provide access to talent that combines legal expertise with technological fluency.

The use of AI in the legal profession is not a threat – it’s a catalyst for change. Junior Lawyer roles are not being eliminated, but they are being redefined. Legal teams must respond by hiring strategically, investing in skills development and building structures that combine human judgment with technological capability.

As recruiters, we’re here to help you navigate this shift. From sourcing junior Lawyers who understand AI tools to identifying senior Lawyers for specialised roles, we offer insight, access and support tailored to your legal team’s needs.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your hiring needs.

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