LexisNexis report reveals how European law firms are preparing for Gen AI’s impact on legal work
European law firms are accelerating efforts to adopt generative AI (Gen AI) technology, with significant changes expected in how legal services are delivered and how lawyers work day-to-day. A new report from The Global Legal Post, produced in association with LexisNexis, outlines six key takeaways from leading law firms across Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Belgium.
No one-size-fits-all approach
Firms are approaching AI integration at varying paces, shaped by their size and culture. Smaller firms, facing less disruption, can adopt Gen AI tools swiftly. In contrast, larger firms prefer phased implementation to manage change effectively. “You can’t just turn on a switch and say everyone is going to use it,” noted Sebastien Bardou, VP strategy at LexisNexis. Support programmes such as technical training and prompt libraries are being introduced to ensure successful adoption from the outset, particularly for junior lawyers. “We want to ensure a good user experience from the very first moment,” said Eric Wagner, partner at Gleiss Lutz in Germany.
Skills requirements will shift
While legal knowledge remains essential, lawyers must develop new competencies. Understanding how to craft effective prompts and assess AI-generated output critically will become standard. “We have to get people used to being critical of the input and output of these tools,” said Beatriz Rodríguez Gómez, partner at RocaJunyent in Madrid. Soft skills will also become crucial as AI automates repetitive work, enabling lawyers to focus on client relationships. “The difference will be made by how you respond to your clients’ needs,” added Vittorio Pomarici, partner at BonelliErede.
Training models need rethinking
With Gen AI increasingly taking on junior-level work, firms must innovate in training new lawyers. “Law is traditionally an apprenticeship model, where people learn by doing easy and repetitive tasks,” said Paula Gomes Freire, managing partner at Portugal’s Vieira de Almeida. If AI removes these tasks, firms must reconsider recruitment and development. Technology also plays a role in talent retention. “The trainees now and tomorrow are Gen Z – if they came to our office and we handed them paper, they simply wouldn’t stay,” said Stephane Criel, partner at Belgian firm Monard Law.
Embed from Getty ImagesProcesses will be redesigned
Gen AI presents opportunities not just for efficiency but for complete process transformation. “AI integration isn’t just about dropping in a tool – it’s about reshaping processes, mindsets and incentives,” said Mathieu Balzarini, VP product at LexisNexis. In-house legal teams also stand to benefit. Andrew Cooke, chief legal officer at TravelPerk, explained that AI allows general counsel to focus on strategy rather than being buried under paperwork. “It’s about how effective we are at addressing customer problems,” he said.
Client expectations are evolving
Clients’ attitudes towards AI remain mixed. Some embrace its potential, while others ask firms to avoid using it altogether. Clear internal policies are essential to navigate these varying demands. “Our policies have to be spread out so everybody knows what AI tools can or cannot be used,” said Margarida Saragoça, business director at VdA. Increasingly, clients expect firms not only to adopt AI but to innovate with it. “They want us to integrate AI into our workflow and become more efficient,” explained Thomas Meurer, M&A partner at Hengeler Mueller.
Value-based billing will grow
As AI changes workflows, billing models are also evolving. Rather than billing purely by hours worked, firms may charge based on value delivered. “Often the market focuses on cost-cutting, but Gen AI is much more about adding value,” said Raúl Rubio, partner at Perez-Llorca in Spain. Firms may complete work faster or review documents more thoroughly, delivering greater value for the same fee. “This is the benefit – they won’t charge less, but they’ll give me much more value,” concluded Lexis Nexis’s Bardou.
