Thomson Reuters flags AI won’t save lawyers much time — just five hours a week
The report is in. AI tools in law are real but barely freeing up lawyers’ time. According to Thomson Reuters’ Future of Professionals Report, AI might only free up about five hours per week for the average legal pro. Not exactly the game-changer many expected.
The issue: AI easily handles document review, contract drafting, and data processing. But real legal work is more than just facts and data. It’s judgment, persuasion, and emotional intelligence — areas where AI can assist but can’t replace human skills. 
Lawyers spend much of their time managing nuanced human factors — reading rooms, handling boardroom tensions, and navigating cultural contexts. AI’s edge is limited there.
“The modest time savings are not a failure of AI but a reflection of the true nature of client needs and high-quality lawyering. This is where the true competitive edge lies: emotional intelligence (EQ).”
At firms like Dentons, EQ is being prioritized alongside tech. Training and mentorship encourage skills like reading a room, threading needles for win-win outcomes, and showing leadership vulnerability.
“AI has begun to level the playing field in terms of efficiency, but strong EQ skills will help a lawyer to stand out from the crowd.”
The takeaway: AI’s processing power is helpful but not enough. Success in legal work will hinge on emotional awareness combined with AI — knowing when to stop analyzing and start empathizing.
Read more in the full Thomson Reuters report.
