AI and In-House Counsel: Why Human Time Is the Real Scarcity in the AI Era

For in-house lawyers, the rise of AI feels like both a threat and a promise. Large language models can draft contracts, summarize cases, and generate compliance reports at speeds that no human can match. When considering how AI and counsel collaborate, it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the surprising truth: in a world where machines can produce infinite work, the rarest and most valuable thing isn’t more content. It’s your time, your judgment, and your presence.

In a conversation with Professor Barton Beebe, an intellectual property scholar, we explored this paradox: machine output is infinite, but human creativity and attention remain finite. That insight flips the way in-house lawyers should think about their role in the AI era.

Watch the full conversation with Damien Riehl here:

In the past, in-house counsel earned value by being the information keepers. They knew the law, managed the details, and spotted risks others couldn’t see. Today, information is everywhere. AI can surface it in seconds. Within the evolving dynamics of AI and in-house counsel, what remains scarce is the lawyer’s ability to decide what matters. They must filter out noise and guide the business toward action.

For in-house professionals, that means your role is no longer about how much you can produce. It is about how effectively you can prioritize and advise. In fact, the integration of AI and counsel roles means that AI won’t replace your judgment. But it will make your judgment even more central.

 Think about your day. You can spend it buried in contract markup, or you can spend it in conversation with your business leaders. Help them make strategic decisions with confidence. The coexistence of AI and in-house counsel highlights that AI can handle the first task. However, only you can do the second.

This isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about redefining the in-house lawyer’s value proposition. The companies that thrive will be the ones whose legal teams use technology to free themselves from busywork. This allows them to focus on human-only contributions: negotiation, counseling, and leadership.

 It’s tempting to fear that AI makes lawyers less relevant. However, the opposite is true. Within the realm of AI’s advancement, the more machines can produce, the more your human scarcity stands out. Your attention, trustworthiness, and creativity are valuable. Working with AI, in-house counsel shows that companies you advise don’t just want answers. They want judgment and confidence. They want a lawyer who helps them move forward when the information feels endless and the risks overwhelming.

So ask yourself: is your current role designed to maximize your human value? Or are you stuck competing with the machine at the machine’s game?

 If you’re thinking about your next move as an in-house lawyer, consider this: your time is your most valuable asset. How you spend it will define not only your career, but also your impact on the business. Don’t measure yourself by output measure yourself by influence.

This is the moment to design a legal career where AI handles the infinite. Meanwhile, you focus on the scarce: your wisdom, your voice, and your leadership in areas that blend AI with in-house counsel expertise.

Watch the full conversation here:  Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 7, Episode 10 (ft.Damien Riehl)

At Notes to My (Legal) Self®, we’re dedicated to helping in-house legal professionals develop the skills, insights, and strategies needed to thrive in today’s evolving legal landscape. From leadership development to legal operations optimization and emerging technology, we provide the tools to help you stay ahead. AI risks, including mid-level ones, are an essential component of these discussions.

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