Legal career planning for 2027 should include developing AI competence alongside legal expertise, commercial understanding and communication skills. Start by reviewing your goals, identifying gaps and choosing practical learning opportunities. Whether you want to progress in your current role or move in-house, make skill development part of your plan.
Make AI competence a priority for 2027
AI competence deserves a place in every lawyer’s development plan. Knowing how to use tools safely, assess their limitations and improve legal work is becoming increasingly relevant.
The 2025 Victorian Lawyer Census, reported in 2026, found that 72% of AI users had received AI training in the previous year, compared with 38% of non-users. Overall, 70% of respondents believed they would benefit from further AI training.[1] lsbc.vic.gov.au. Noting that these figures show an association between training and adoption, rather than proving that training causes better career outcomes.
Meanwhile, Thomson Reuters’ global 2026 research found that 32% of in-house legal professionals were reconsidering law firm relationships, or prepared to do so within 12 months, where firms fell behind on AI. [2] 2026 Legal Report
For individual lawyers, our takeaway is practical: build the capability to explain and demonstrate how technology improves your work.
Build AI skills you can apply
Start with an approved tool and a suitable task. Then develop competence in:
- Task selection: recognise where AI can help and when human analysis is essential.
- Instructions and context: explain the task, relevant facts and desired output clearly.
- Verification: check sources, legal accuracy, omissions and unsupported conclusions.
- Information protection: understand confidentiality, privacy and the tool’s data settings.
- Workflow improvement: assess whether AI improves quality or saves time after checking.
The joint statement from regulators in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia reinforces lawyers’ responsibility for confidentiality, independent judgement and accurate work.[3] VLSB+C
Importantly, retain your ability to research, reason and draft independently. Use feedback from experienced colleagues to strengthen your judgement.
Develop the skills around the technology
AI learning should sit alongside broader professional development. The Law Society of NSW’s Solicitor Capability Framework highlights critical thinking, communication, relationships, ethics and adaptability.[4] lawsociety.com.au
For 2027, consider these practical priorities:
- Commercial judgement: connect legal advice to business objectives and risk.
- Communication and negotiation: explain options clearly and influence decisions.
- Digital and data literacy: understand document systems, automation and basic reporting.
- Project and change management: organise matters and help colleagues adopt better processes.
Also, schedule regular learning about developments in your practice area, relevant regulation and professional guidance.
Turn legal career planning into experience
Finally, choose one AI learning goal and one broader capability to develop by March 2027. Agree on a practical project and a review date.
A secondment may offer opportunities to build commercial and stakeholder skills in a different setting. At Aclaria, we connect lawyers with in-house opportunities aligned with their experience and interests.[5] Aclaria
Considering in-house work in 2027? Explore Aclaria’s lawyer network and share your experience, interests and development goals. We can discuss whether secondment opportunities could support the next stage of your career.
References
1. Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, Generative AI Use in the Legal Profession: Findings from the 2025 Victorian Lawyer Census, published 20 April 2026. Read the report.
2. Thomson Reuters Institute, Future of Professionals Report 2026: Actionable insights for law firm leaders, 2026. Global research; findings are not Australian employment forecasts. Read the legal report.
3. Law Society of NSW, Legal Practice Board of Western Australia and Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, Statement on the use of artificial intelligence in Australian legal practice, 6 December 2024. Read the statement.
4. The Law Society of NSW, Solicitor Capability Framework, 2025. Read the framework.
5. Aclaria, Become an Aclaria lawyer, undated. Explore the lawyer network.
