Linklaters Launches 20-Strong Team of Specialist 'AI Lawyers'

Linklaters has announced the creation of a dedicated team of 20 AI Lawyers to deploy across its global network, marking one of the most significant investments in AI-specific legal talent by a Magic Circle firm. This first cohort comprises external hires from diverse backgrounds and experienced Linklaters lawyers who have chosen to supplement their legal expertise with specialized AI knowledge. They will receive a bespoke "bootcamp" training covering: - Linklaters' strategic thinking on AI - Power user features of the firm's AI tools - Change management principles - Effective prompt and workflow creation Following training, the AI Lawyers will work embedded in practice groups and offices globally, supporting client-facing lawyers in developing prompts, workflows, and advising on AI deployment for client delivery. The announcement follows Linklaters' September 2025 rollout of generative AI platform Legora across all 30 of its offices. The firm already deploys several AI and technology applications, including: - **Laila**: Proprietary AI chatbot - **CreateiQ 2.0**: Contract lifecycle management platform - **ReportIQ**: Online due diligence platform Sarah Barnard, Linklaters' director of AI delivery, stated: "We are excited to launch our first cohort of dedicated AI Lawyers to drive our ambitious programme of work globally." One notable team member is Tanya Sadoughi, AI lead lawyer for the global banking practice, who transitioned from fee-earning work after being seconded to the innovation team in 2022. "One month into my secondment, ChatGPT came out, and it was quite serendipitous because I inadvertently became one of the firm's first AI lawyers," she noted. The initiative reflects broader industry trends: recent research shows nearly eight in ten of the top 20 UK firms have rolled out third-party AI tools, with nearly half either building proprietary systems or partnering on customized solutions.