AI, Talent, and the eDiscovery Edge

eDiscovery professionals have long been ahead of the curve when it comes to legal tech. We’ve been talking about AI for years, well before it became the industry’s buzzword. Remember TAR? Predictive coding? Judge Andrew Peck’s game-changing opinions? Or Richard Susskind’s bold predictions about the future of the profession? Those early signals were the canary in the coal mine. The shift we’ve been anticipating is no longer theoretical. It’s here.

The LegalTech Fund’s new report, Future of Talent Development for the Age of AI, makes one thing clear: legal talent development is being rewritten in real time. According to the report, law firms are flattening traditional hierarchies and the expectation for junior associates to be AI-literate out of the gate. Mid-levels are managing workflows powered by machine output. Partners are evolving into business strategists and tech-forward mentors.

Where Legal Talent Goes From Here

These aren’t just surface-level shifts; they’re systemic. And the report highlights a few critical truths:

1. Law firms must rethink how they train, retain, and promote talent in an AI-augmented world.
2. Clients are expecting more strategic, data-informed, and industry-savvy legal support.
3. Legal professionals can’t afford to opt out of tech fluency, as fluency is becoming the new baseline.

For these reasons, ACEDS continues to focus on building a talent pipeline rooted in practical, tech-forward learning. Whether it’s through certifications, community programming, or thought leadership, the goal remains the same: support legal professionals as they adapt, grow, and lead in a rapidly changing industry.

Through our Code and Counsel initiative, a powerful community of women leaders working in AI and advanced legal technologies is developing resources to help legal professionals stay informed, equipped, and ready. This initiative is one more example of how we’re bringing real-world, inclusive expertise to the legal tech space, bridging the gap between innovation and day-to-day practice.

The TLTF report puts it best: “AI won’t replace lawyers, but lawyers who understand AI will replace those who don’t.” That future? It’s already unfolding, and eDiscovery professionals are in the right position to lead the way.

Read the full report: Future of Talent Development for the Age of AI

Explore ACEDS and Code and Counsel at www.aceds.org.

Maribel Rivera

VP, Strategy and Client Engagement at ACEDS

As Vice President of Strategy and Client Engagement at ACEDS, Maribel is responsible for local chapter, membership, event management, and strategic partner engagement. A seasoned professional who has helped brands and businesses connect with their audiences and achieve their goals, her breadth of experience, strategic and creative abilities unlock innovation and bring business ideas to life. Prior to ACEDS, she consulted for a variety of private clients in technology, education, and recruiting, crafting and leading marketing and operations solutions for small and mid-sized companies. She also worked as director of sales operations for Fronteo USA Inc. An active member of Women in eDiscovery and ARMA Metro NYC, she also devotes time to charitable work. She speaks regularly on marketing and diversity and inclusion. When she isn’t working, Maribel enjoys traveling, reading, education and working out. Reach her at [email protected].