AI in Asia’s Legal Industry: It’s Here, and It’s Real
If you’d told me a few years ago I’d be chatting with junior lawyers in Hong Kong and Singapore about artificial intelligence (AI) as much as billables, I’d have laughed. But here we are — and honestly, it’s an exciting shift in the Asian legal market.
AI is now a regular part of legal recruitment conversations. Law firms want to know if junior lawyers can use AI effectively. Junior lawyers want to know how firms are integrating legal tech. From contract review and legal research to drafting and due diligence, firms across Asia are adopting tools like Harvey and Lexis+ AI to improve client service and streamline work.
As one partner put it:
"AI won’t replace junior lawyers, but junior lawyers who use AI might replace those who don’t."
AI and Legal Careers
Generative AI is transforming the legal profession in Asia. Tasks that once took hours — like contract review, legal research, and drafting — can now be done in minutes. But the aim isn’t to replace junior lawyers. It’s to enhance their impact, free up time for higher-value work, and reshape what early legal careers look like.
AI is changing workflows, expectations, and the questions firms ask junior candidates. Today, law firms in Hong Kong and Singapore want to know:
- Have you used AI or legal tech in your current role?
- How do you stay updated on technology trends in law?
- Are you open to AI training and innovation initiatives?
Junior lawyers who can show curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to engage with AI tools are standing out in the hiring process.
Your Interviews Answers Will Set You Apart
One of the key challenges for law firms in Asia-Pacific is the limited jurisdictional coverage of many AI tools. Unlike in the US or Europe, vendors often don’t offer full functionality across Hong Kong, Singapore, or the wider region. This means firms in Asia need to take a more strategic approach to AI adoption and implementation.
One international law firm we spoke with has developed a clear three-strand AI strategy:
- Boosting productivity with everyday AI tools like Harvey AI
- Using specialised, function-specific platforms such as IP legal tech solutions
- Creating bespoke, client-facing AI products to enhance service delivery
And importantly, they want junior associates who support this journey. Those who engage with AI, adapt quickly, and help drive innovation are standing out. In today’s legal teams in Hong Kong and Singapore, being someone who embraces change and legal tech is becoming a valued asset.
AI as a Unique Selling Point for Law Firms in Asia
More law firms are now using their AI capability as a unique selling point to attract top junior talent. This includes:
- Structured AI training for new joiners
- Innovation teams that actively involve associates
- Opportunities to test and improve legal tech tools in real workflows
If you’re exploring new legal roles in Asia, don’t hesitate to ask:
- Will I receive AI training as part of onboarding?
- Can I contribute to shaping the firm’s use of legal technology?
How Junior Lawyers in Hong Kong and Singapore Can Stay Ahead
You don’t need to be a tech expert, but staying curious and adaptable is key. Here are a few ways to stand out:
- Get familiar with AI tools already in use at your firm, such as Lexis+ AI
- Join legal tech or innovation working groups
- Keep up with developments through platforms like Asian Legal Business or Singapore Academy of Law
Being known as someone who understands and embraces AI, even at a basic level, increases your value in a competitive legal market.
Future-Proofing Your Legal Career in Asia
AI isn’t going to make junior lawyers irrelevant — but adaptable lawyers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and across Asia will be invaluable. If you are open to learning, thoughtful about applying AI, and ready to evolve with the profession, you’re already ahead.
Looking to join a firm that’s serious about AI and innovation? Get in touch — Sonder Consultants can help you navigate the best opportunities in Hong Kong, Singapore, and across Asia.
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