How in-house counsel are increasingly turning to generative AI

Generative artificial intelligence has rapidly altered legal practice and the business of law, especially for in-house counsel. Use of generative AI among in-house lawyers more than doubled over the last year and now exceeds fifty percent, compared with 23% in 2024. Two-thirds of respondents use generative AI to reduce future reliance on outside counsel. More than 60% of respondents are likely to push for changes in how legal services are priced. The rise of generative AI raises questions about the long-term viability of the billable hour, which has persisted through recessions, pandemics, and market disruptions.

"According to an October report from the Association of Corporate Counsel, generative AI use among in-house lawyers has more than doubled over the last year. More than half of respondents are now actively using generative AI in their practice-compared to only 23% in 2024. The survey also said two-thirds of respondents are using it so that they can eventually rely less on outside counsel, and over 60% are likely to push for a change in how legal services are priced."

"Jason L. Brown is the president and CEO of the Association of Corporate Counsel, a global legal association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations and other organizations through information, education, networking and advocacy. Brown previously was an in-house counsel at Dyson Inc., MillerCoors and the Pepsi Beverages Co. He also was the executive director and general counsel for the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms."

Read at ABA Journal