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Above the Law · September 9, 2026

Avoiding The AI Efficiency Trap: What Biglaw Needs To Get Right

Corporate LawLawManagement
THE AI ANGLE
Increasing lawyer speed while challenging the traditional billable hour business model

Above the Law and Litera are hosting an expert panel following ILTACON 2026 to address the legal industry's 'AI efficiency trap,' questioning whether AI will boost Biglaw profitability or erode its business model. The discussion centers on adopting a commercial approach to AI, tracking 'RoAI' (return on AI), and determining whether firms will finally adjust the traditional billable hour. For faculty in law and management, this highlights the tension between technological productivity gains and established professional service pricing structures.

THE TEACHING ANGLE
Students can examine the strategic conflict between AI-driven task automation and the viability of the traditional billable-hour model in law firm management.

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