UPDATE: Harvey’s CEO, Winston Weinberg, has issued a powerful call to action for law firms to invest in junior lawyers as the legal industry undergoes rapid transformation due to artificial intelligence. Speaking at TechLaw Fest 2025 in Singapore, Weinberg emphasized that junior attorneys will be more valuable than ever, and he’s backing this belief with a bold commitment to hiring.
In a candid interview, Weinberg stated, “I’m 100% committed to hiring and training young lawyers.” He believes that those who grew up using AI tools will have a distinct advantage over senior partners, claiming they are “more agile at adopting new tools.” This assertion comes at a crucial time, as the legal sector grapples with the implications of AI on traditional roles.
Harvey, valued at $5 billion, has already employed about 340 employees since its inception three years ago. The company plans to hire 15 new employees in its newly opened APAC office in Sydney this month, illustrating its commitment to nurturing junior talent in markets worldwide, including Australia and the UK.
Weinberg’s insights highlight a significant shift in the legal landscape. He argues that AI is not a threat to junior lawyers but rather a tool that enhances their capabilities. “If you’re scared of something and stressed about doing it, do it and lean into doing it,” he advised young attorneys. “Your performance will be better just because you’re less stressed by doing it.”
His comments come amid concerns that AI may erode the traditional apprenticeship model essential for developing junior lawyers. Nevertheless, Weinberg believes that AI can reshape the industry positively, creating new practice areas and transforming training methodologies. “AI systems can do the work, but there’s no reason you can’t turn those into education platforms,” he noted.
In a recent survey by the American Bar Association, it was revealed that over 6% of 2024’s law school graduates have already chosen to leave the traditional law firm path for roles in business and tech sectors. This trend underscores the growing appeal of careers in legal tech, where young attorneys can influence the future of the profession.
As the legal industry evolves, Weinberg’s call to action is clear: firms must prioritize the upskilling of junior lawyers to ensure they thrive in an AI-driven environment. The message is urgent and relevant, as the legal community stands at a pivotal crossroads, with the future of junior talent hanging in the balance.
With the rapid advancement of technology, junior lawyers who embrace these tools could soon surpass their senior counterparts in adaptability and proficiency. The conversation surrounding AI and its implications for the legal profession is just beginning, and all eyes will be on how firms respond to these challenges in the coming months.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and consider what this means for the future of legal careers.
