With the growing use of gen AI and automation in the legal sector, concerns among employees about job security, the relevance of their current roles, and data privacy are rising. What steps can we take to address and overcome the apprehension about these changes in our teams, moving from resistance to acceptance and proactive engagement? How can we prepare our teams to adapt and succeed in this new technological landscape?

Clear communication and frequent reminders that the technology is intended to help and support employees, not replace them. Demonstrate what the tech does and does not do. Show them how it can help reduce busy work and repetitive, boring tasks (the kind of work no one really wants to do) and how it can free up employees to spend more time on the challenging, interesting work that requires a human. In my experience, this is the work that people want to spend their time on.

As more tech jobs are getting cut, there's a real worry because tech companies are in a big competition for AI talent. But one thing is clear – they really need people who know AI. My advice is simple: make yourself important. Be the AI expert they're looking for.

Communication and transparency: an open conversation so staff can discuss their fears (without being reprimanded). Silence is what creates uncertainty.