Beyond the Binary: How Law Firms Can Leverage AI and Human Expertise in 2026 Recruitment

​As we approach 2026, law firms are no longer asking whether to adopt AI tools, they're asking how to do it in a way that strengthens their workforce, not replaces it. The rise of AI in legal operations is undeniable, but the true competitive edge will come from how effectively firms combine human insight with technological advancement.

This is especially true in business services roles such as risk and compliance and knowledge/professional support lawyer (PSL) functions. These departments are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in responsible innovation and they’re increasingly being shaped by the need to work in tandem with AI tools.

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AI Isn't Coming For Your Job—But It Is Changing It

For many professionals, the anxiety around AI replacing jobs is understandable. But in law firm business services, AI isn’t about replacement, it’s about enhancement. Automation is streamlining tasks like document review, conflict checking, AML onboarding, and even legal research.

What this means is a shift in expectations:

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• Firms will prioritise candidates who can work alongside AI, not just in spite of it.

• Skills in data interpretation, critical thinking, and judgement will be more valuable than ever.

• Professionals who embrace AI will become strategic partners within their firms.

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For Risk & Compliance Teams

2026 will see continued investment in tech platforms for due diligence, ongoing monitoring, and regulatory compliance. But these systems still need human oversight. AI may flag a potential issue in onboarding, but it takes human judgement to assess nuanced risks or advise on reputational implications.

Recruitment trends show that firms are looking for:

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• Analysts and advisors with strong tech fluency.

• Professionals who can interpret AI outputs and translate them for senior stakeholders.

• Individuals who can improve processes and spot where human-AI collaboration can deliver efficiencies.

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This shift is also likely to create hybrid roles that blend compliance with operational strategy or data analysis.

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For Knowledge Lawyers & PSLs

The traditional PSL role is already evolving. In 2026, the most successful knowledge lawyers will:

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• Help implement and curate AI-powered knowledge platforms.

• Focus on training lawyers to use these tools effectively.

• Provide contextual interpretation that machines cannot.

• Lead on AI governance within the knowledge function.

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We’re already seeing job specs include language like:

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• “Understanding of emerging technologies in legal research”

• “Experience embedding legal tech in KM platforms”

• “Interest in AI-led tools for precedents and drafting”

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This marks a key shift: knowledge roles are becoming even more embedded in tech strategy and require greater cross-functional collaboration with IT, innovation teams, and risk.

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What This Means for Recruitment in 2026

The impact of AI on business services roles isn’t about job loss, it’s about job evolution.

Firms that want to stay competitive in 2026 and beyond will need to:

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• Update job specs to reflect the hybrid nature of future roles.

• Hire for adaptability, not just experience.

• Invest in training and onboarding to upskill existing teams.

• Ensure their recruitment processes assess curiosity, communication, and collaboration skills.

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Equally, candidates who:

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• Show an interest in legal tech

• Can explain how they’ve used AI to improve workflows

• Demonstrate the ability to think strategically about automation

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...will stand out in a crowded market.

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Final Thoughts

AI can make legal work smarter, faster, and more consistent, but only when paired with the judgement, insight, and empathy that humans bring. In business services, the future belongs to those who see AI not as a threat, but as a tool to be harnessed.

At Pembury Legal, we work with firms and candidates at the intersection of innovation and impact. Whether you're building your next-generation team or figuring out how to position yourself in a tech-driven market, we’re here to help.

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