The rise of legal tech: how AI is changing the legal profession

The legal profession is undergoing a significant shift, with technology transforming how legal services are delivered and artificial intelligence reshaping the way professionals operate.

At Sellick Partnership, we’re seeing this change first-hand. Both public and private sector employers are exploring how legal tech and AI can streamline operations, improve outcomes, and reduce costs. And as a result, the skills and attributes they look for in legal professionals are evolving too.

Whether you’re a Lawyer in local government, a Paralegal in private practice, or an in-house legal counsel, understanding the impact of AI is no longer optional – it’s essential to staying competitive in today’s market.

What does AI mean for legal professionals? 

AI tools are increasingly being used across the legal profession to support (and in some cases automate) tasks such as:

• Document review and drafting.
• Legal research and case law analysis.
• Contract due diligence and compliance checks. 
• Predicting case outcomes using historic data.
• Managing admin tasks like scheduling or Freedom of Information (FOI) responses.

These technologies are not replacing legal professionals, but they are transforming how they work. Many firms and public sector bodies are using AI to free up valuable time, reduce manual workload, and shift legal professionals into more strategic roles.

How is this playing out across the sectors? 

Private sector: innovation and competition

In private practice, the adoption of AI is accelerating. Larger firms, in particular, are embracing tools to streamline client service and increase productivity.

This is creating a shift in expectations for candidates. Employers are increasingly looking for individuals who:

• Are confident using new technologies.
• Can adapt quickly to new systems and processes.
• Understand the regulatory and ethical considerations around AI use.

If you’re working in private practice or looking to move into a more tech-enabled firm, digital literacy is quickly becoming a must-have.

Public sector: steady progress with high potential

In local authorities and other public sector bodies, AI adoption is more cautious – but the direction of travel is clear. With resources stretched and legal teams under pressure, tools that automate repetitive tasks are gaining traction.

AI is already being used to support:

• Housing litigation.
• Freedom of Information (FOI) responses.
• Case and document management.
• Compliance and risk reporting.

Public sector employers are starting to value candidates who bring not just legal expertise, but also the mindset and adaptability to embrace smarter working tools.

What candidates need to consider 

As AI continues to influence the legal sector, here’s what candidates should keep in mind:

Stay informed – Even if your current role doesn’t involve legal tech, having a basic understanding of how AI is being used in the sector will set your apart in the job market.

Highlight adaptability – Employers are looking for candidates who can confidently navigate change. Use your CV or interviews to showcase times you’ve adopted to new systems, taken on tech-related training, or adapted to process changes.

Understand the ethics – AI brings risks as well as opportunities. Familiarise yourself with the ethical, legal and regulatory challenges – especially around data security and accuracy – so you can have informed conversations with employers.

Upskill where possible – Free and low-cost online resources can help you build your knowledge of legal tech. While you don’t need to become a developer, a working understanding of AI tools, compliance frameworks, or legal software can be a real advantage.

Looking ahead – recruitment trends 

As recruiters specialising in the legal market, we’re already seeing the impact of legal tech in job descriptions, interview processes and candidate assessments – and this is just the beginning!

Over the next few years, we expect to see:

• Increased demand for tech-literate legal professionals. 
• More hybrid roles blending legal knowledge with data analysis or compliance. 
• A shift in training expectations, with firms and public bodies investing more in digital upskilling. 
• Greater focus on efficiency, meaning candidates who can work smartly (not just hard) will stand out. 

Final thoughts

AI is not a threat to the legal profession, it’s an evolution. But with that evolution comes the need to stay informed, adaptable and open to change.

At Sellick Partnership, we’re here to help legal professionals navigate these changes. Whether you’re actively looking for a new role, or just want to understand how the market is moving, our Consultants are always happy to have a conversation.

Contact our team today or browse our latest legal roles.