How Human Skills and AI Are Shaping the Future of Law
AI is reshaping legal, but human skills—resilience, creativity, and empathy—remain irreplaceable. In our latest episode, Claire Sanders shares how embracing a "squiggly career" and leveraging AI can unlock human potential rather than replace it. Read on for insights on law, tech, and adaptability.
As artificial intelligence continues to redefine the legal profession, the importance of human skills—empathy, resilience, and creativity—has never been greater. In our latest podcast episode, we spoke with Claire Sanders, General Counsel turned entrepreneur and co-founder of Being Human. Claire is on a mission to empower professionals by highlighting the indispensable role of human skills in a world increasingly shaped by AI and automation.
Our discussion explored the intersection of technology and humanity, the evolution of legal education, and the courage it takes to forge a career path outside the traditional mold.
1. Why Human Skills Are Critical in a Tech-Driven Profession
Claire challenges the misconception that human skills are “soft” or secondary. Instead, she highlights their role as the foundation of collaboration, leadership, and innovation. “Human skills are as valuable and data-backed as any level of tech or AI,” she explains.
2. Leveraging AI to Unlock Human Potential
Far from replacing lawyers, AI creates opportunities to streamline repetitive tasks, enabling professionals to focus on higher-value work. Claire emphasises that the true potential of AI lies in amplifying human ingenuity, not replacing it. However, legal education must adapt to ensure lawyers are equipped with the strategic thinking and emotional intelligence needed for this new reality.
3. Breaking Free from the Straight Career Path
Claire introduced the concept of a “squiggly career,” sharing her journey from in-house legal roles to launching Being Human. Her story is a testament to the value of exploring diverse opportunities and redefining what success looks like in the legal profession.
4. Driving Change in a Resistant Industry
The legal industry has a reputation for being slow to adapt, but Claire emphasises that curiosity and open-mindedness are essential for driving meaningful innovation. By fostering safe spaces for collaboration and challenging traditional norms, legal professionals can unlock new levels of creativity and connection.
Key Takeaway
As AI continues to reshape the legal profession, the value of human skills will only grow. Claire’s insights remind us that empathy, creativity, and resilience aren’t just “nice to have”—they are the cornerstone of a thriving, future-ready legal career.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here.
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