AI in law: a tool for all or a new glass ceiling?
A report by Linklaters, The Next 100 Years and She Breaks the Law reveals gender gaps in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and calls for action to ensure an inclusive transformation
by ilaria iaquinta
Experts: Paloma Fierro, partner in financial regulation and global co-head of diversity at Linklaters; Shilpa Bhandarkar, partner & head of client tech & AI team at Linklaters
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the legal profession. From streamlining document reviews to automating repetitive tasks and enhancing training for young female lawyers, the potential benefits are significant. However, the report No Woman Left Behind: Closing the AI Gender Gap in Law, produced by Linklaters in collaboration with The Next 100 Years (a project promoting gender equality in the legal profession) and She Breaks the Law (a global network of women leaders and innovators in the legal field), highlights a sobering reality: this technological revolution is not reaching everyone equally. Without swift action, women risk being left behind.
THE CHALLENGE OF EQUITY IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION
The study begins with a key statistic: women are the majority in the legal profession (53% in law firms and 61% in in-house legal departments). Yet, this representation does not translate into equal access to or adoption of AI. While 77% of respondents believe AI will have an “extremely significant” impact on the future of law, only 52% feel “very well-informed” about the topic, with 31% possessing only basic knowledge and 17% admitting to a clear gap in their understanding.
WHAT’S HOLDING WOMEN BACK?
Limited access remains a persistent issue: 37% of respondents report that their employers have not implemented AI tools, and 27% fail to perceive tangible benefits. Concerns over the accuracy of tools (37%) and algorithmic bias (43%) further contribute to reluctance. These challenges are compounded by fear and lack of confidence (18%), highlighting the need for organisational change to foster trust and understanding of AI’s potential.
To overcome internal resistance and ensure the full participation of women in AI adoption, firms need to foster an organisational culture that promotes upskilling and facilitates conversations that include female stakeholders, explains Paloma Fierro, partner in financial regulation and global co-head of diversity at Linklaters, to Iberian Lawyer. “This could mean dedicating time within work schedules for women to engage in AI training and practice, providing access to mentoring and sponsorship programmes or integrating AI literacy into career development frameworks. Firms should also ensure they promote targeted use cases to demonstrate the value of their tools and utilise celebrated female leaders to champion AI, generate enthusiasm and address uncertainties,” says Fierro.
