Will There Still Be a Need for Paralegals in 2025 When AI Paralegals Exist?

In the fast-evolving legal landscape of 2025, artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it's a daily reality for many law firms. With tools like generative

AI handling document review, contract drafting, and legal research at unprecedented speeds, a pressing question arises: Will there still be a need for human paralegals when AI "paralegals" can perform similar tasks? As a technical consulting firm specializing in AI automation for law firms, Team Moore has guided numerous practices through this transition. Drawing from industry reports and real-world implementations, this post explores the role of AI in legal support, its limitations, and why human paralegals remain indispensable.

The short answer? Yes, there will absolutely be a need for paralegals. AI isn't here to replace them—it's here to empower them. According to recent surveys, 82% of legal professionals plan to increase AI use, but only 19% believe it will fully automate roles like paralegals. Instead, AI shifts the focus from routine drudgery to strategic, high-value work. Let's dive deeper into what this means for the profession.

What Are AI Paralegals? Understanding the Technology in 2025

AI paralegals refer to software tools powered by machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and generative AI that assist with legal tasks traditionally handled by human paralegals. These aren't sentient robots but sophisticated platforms trained on vast legal datasets to automate repetitive processes.

Key Examples of AI Paralegal Tools in 2025

The market is booming with AI solutions tailored for legal support. Here are some standout examples, based on user adoption and reviews:

• CoCounsel by Thomson Reuters: This all-in-one AI assistant handles research, drafting, and document analysis. It integrates with trusted legal databases to provide accurate summaries and citations, reducing research time by up to 50%.

• Lexis+ AI: A user-friendly tool for conversational search, brief drafting, and e-discovery. It's praised for its traceability to sources, minimizing "hallucinations" common in generic AI like ChatGPT.

• Spellbook: Focused on contract review and drafting, it uses generative AI to suggest clauses and flag risks. Paralegals report it cuts manual editing by 70%, allowing more time for client-facing tasks.

• Harvey AI: Customizable for niche areas like litigation, it automates case predictions and document sorting. In 2025, it's gaining traction for its integration with firm-specific data.

• Clio AI Features: Built into practice management software, it automates intake, triage, and workflow tracking, making it ideal for small to mid-sized firms.

These tools are transforming entry-level legal work, with AI handling tasks like sorting emails by urgency or drafting reminders for court deadlines. However, they rely on human oversight to ensure accuracy and ethical compliance.

Pros and Cons of AI Paralegals: A Balanced View

While AI offers exciting efficiencies, it's not without drawbacks. Here's a breakdown of the advantages and challenges for law firms in 2025.

Pros of AI Paralegals

• Increased Efficiency: AI completes time-consuming tasks like document review in minutes, freeing paralegals for strategic roles. Firms using AI report up to 315% ROI on repetitive workflows.

• Cost Savings: By automating manual work, AI reduces overhead. Small firms can scale without hiring more staff, with tools like MyCase IQ handling legal writing at a fraction of the cost.

• Enhanced Accuracy: Trained on legal precedents, AI minimizes errors in research and analysis, boosting overall firm productivity.

• Scalability: Paralegals can manage higher caseloads, leading to better client service and job satisfaction.

  
  

Cons of AI Paralegals

• Lack of Judgment: AI can't interpret nuances, emotions, or context in client interactions—areas where human paralegals excel.

• Ethical and Bias Risks: Without oversight, AI may perpetuate biases in data, raising compliance issues under GDPR or bar ethics rules.

• Job Disruption: While not replacing roles, AI redefines them, potentially leading to fewer entry-level positions and a need for upskilling.

• Security Concerns: Handling sensitive legal data requires robust cybersecurity, which not all AI tools provide out-of-the-box.

To visualize this, here's a comparison table:

Aspect	AI Paralegals Pros	AI Paralegals Cons	Human Paralegals Advantage
Efficiency	Automates routine tasks quickly	May require setup and verification	Provides contextual understanding
Cost	Low ongoing expenses	Initial investment and training	Builds long-term client relationships
Accuracy	Data-driven, consistent	Prone to hallucinations without checks	Applies judgment to complex cases
Scalability	Handles high volumes effortlessly	Limited by training data	Adapts to unique firm needs
Ethics	Follows programmed rules	Risks bias or privacy breaches	Ensures empathetic, compliant handling

This table highlights why a hybrid approach—AI plus human expertise—is the future.

The Future Role of Paralegals: Augmentation, Not Replacement

Experts agree: AI will evolve paralegal roles rather than eliminate them. In 2025, paralegals who embrace AI become "super-paralegals," delivering 3x the output by leveraging tools for insights and recommendations. For instance, in litigation, AI sorts documents, but paralegals strategize based on those insights, managing cases and client communications.

Fields like probate, real estate, and personal injury—requiring human empathy—remain AI-resistant. Moreover, AI creates new opportunities: roles in AI tool management, ethical auditing, and data training are surging.

A Goldman Sachs report notes AI reshapes legal processes without shrinking the job market, with paralegals adapting through upskilling.

How Paralegals and Firms Can Prepare for AI in 2025

To thrive, focus on integration and education:

1. Upskill in AI Tools: Learn platforms like NexLaw or Streamline AI through certifications from organizations like NALA.

2. Emphasize Soft Skills: Hone communication, critical thinking, and ethics—areas AI can't replicate.

3. Adopt Hybrid Workflows: Use AI for drafts, then refine with human insight for quality.

4. Monitor Ethics: Stay updated on ABA guidelines for AI use to avoid pitfalls.

5. Partner with Consultants: Firms like Team Moore can audit and implement AI seamlessly.

By 2030, projections show a 15-20% growth in legal support jobs, driven by AI-enabled efficiency.

Final Thoughts: Embracing AI for a Stronger Legal Future

In 2025, AI paralegals exist, but the need for human paralegals is stronger than ever. They provide the irreplaceable human element—judgment, empathy, and adaptability—that AI lacks. As one expert puts it, "AI helps paralegals more efficiently retrieve information, draft, and analyze documents, leaving them more time to plan cases." The key is collaboration: AI as a tool, not a takeover.

If your firm is navigating AI adoption, Team Moore offers free consultations on automating workflows while empowering your team. Contact us today to future-proof your practice.