AI may be a boon for contract attorneys, new study shows
The study by Paragon Legal shows that 86% of legal departments would be willing to pay a premium for contract attorneys who bring both specialization and AI fluency to their jobs. (Photo by J Studios/Getty Images)
Updated: Contract attorneys who can combine their legal expertise with artificial intelligence savvy could experience a significant uptick in pay, according to a new study from Paragon Legal that examines the future of the legal market.
Among its findings, the study shows that 86% of legal departments would be willing to pay a premium—typically 11% to 20% above standard rates—for contract attorneys who bring both specialization and AI fluency to their jobs.
“For contract attorneys who can combine deep practice area knowledge with the ability to use new tools and manage complex work, this is a moment of real opportunity,” according to Paragon Legal, which surveyed 163 attorneys and hiring managers in the legal industry in April.
Over the next 12 months, 66% of legal departments expect to increase their use of contract attorneys, according to the study. These attorneys are most likely to command a premium in employment and labor law, marketing and advertising, technology transactions and commercial work.
Paragon Legal’s study also shows that 95% of legal departments now require or prefer AI fluency when making hiring decisions.
When asked about the impact of AI on their jobs, 72% of attorneys said they have not had to accept lower pay because of the technology, the study shows. Meanwhile, 60% of attorneys say AI has made their work more efficient.
Updated July 28 at 3:09 p.m. to reflect new information from the study authors.
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