Why AI Might Actually Create More Work for Lawyers
Odd Lots
Jul 13
Why AI Might Actually Create More Work for Lawyers
Why AI Might Actually Create More Work for Lawyers

Odd Lots
Jul 13
Shownote
Shownote
It seems obvious that among the many industries that AI might disrupt, the legal
profession might face some of the most adverse outcomes. When clerical,
research-based tasks like searching through databases and reading contracts are
automated, what is left for lawyers to do and how might they justify all those
billable hours? In this episode we speak with Gary Wingens, chair and partner at
the law firm Lowenstein Sandler. He talks about how his firm is using AI and why
he thinks the technology could end up increasing legal work for lawyers as costs
come down, creating a sort of “Jevon's paradox” for lawsuits, deals and
litigation. We also talk about the billable hours model and training junior
talent.
Read more: AI Legal Startup Norm Valued at $1.2 Billion Funding Round
[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-07-07/ai-legal-startup-norm-valued-at-1-2-billion-in-funding-round?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=odd_lots&utm_content=article]
Only Bloomberg.com subscribers can get the Odd Lots newsletter in their inbox —
now delivered every weekday — plus unlimited access to the site and app.
bloomberg.com/subscriptions/oddlots
[https://www.bloomberg.com/subscriptions/oddlots?in_source=oddlotspodcast]
See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy
information.
Highlights
Highlights
In this episode, the hosts explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal profession, challenging traditional billing models and the very nature of legal work. They speak with Gary Wingens, chair of a major law firm, about the practical integration of AI tools and the surprising ways the technology might actually increase the demand for legal services.
Chapters
Chapters
Will AI finally kill the billable hour?
00:00How AI becomes a lawyer's 'thought partner' for better ideas
09:16The Jevons paradox of law: Why cheaper AI could mean more lawsuits
30:03From hourly billing to project pricing: The future of legal fees
46:46Transcript
Transcript
Speaker 1: Now, a message from Meta. Meta is launching America's Workforce Academy. The program offers paid training, a job, and a path to America's future. Because the future is for everyone. Learn more at meta.com slash americasworkforceacademy. So there...