In a revealing glimpse into the future, The National Law Review has published a comprehensive article outlining 65 expert predictions on the impact of AI on law and legal practice in 2025. This insightful piece, featuring perspectives from federal judges, startup founders, CEOs, and leaders of AI practice groups at global law firms, delves into the anticipated regulatory developments and technological advancements poised to reshape the legal sector. Oliver Roberts, Editor-in-Chief of AI and the Law at The National Law Review and CEO of Wickard.ai, offers a compelling forecast. He predicts a surge in federal investment in AI research and education, though he expects Congress to refrain from passing comprehensive legislation limiting AI’s use or development. Instead, the focus might shift to more restrictive export controls on AI technologies.
Roberts also foresees the revocation of President Biden’s Executive Order on AI by President-elect Donald Trump, prioritizing AI innovation and investment. This shift in policy is underscored by Trump’s appointment of David Sacks as AI & Crypto Czar, signaling a free market approach.
At the state level, Roberts anticipates robust activity in AI regulation, with more states likely to pass laws addressing AI-generated deepfakes and other concerns. Colorado’s AI Act serves as a pioneering model, though Roberts predicts amendments before its 2026 implementation to reduce regulatory burdens on developers.
The article highlights a potential paradigm shift in legal technology, with AI predicted to replace entry-level lawyers in the coming years. This is fueled by advancements in LLM reasoning capabilities and breakthroughs in quantum computing, such as Google’s quantum chip Willow, which promises unprecedented computational power.
In an industry rapidly evolving, the article also explores the potential for AI to enhance legal workflows, improve access to justice, and redefine the delivery of legal services. Experts like Kathi Vidal and Bridget McCormack express optimism about AI’s role in fostering innovation and efficiency, while cautioning about the need for a balanced regulatory framework.
For those interested in the full spectrum of predictions and insights, the original article can be found here.