Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the face of the legal profession in the Gulf, with junior lawyers feeling the squeeze. Law firms across the region are embracing AI-powered tools for everything from legal research and document review to contract drafting—tasks that, until recently, were the bread and butter of entry-level associates.
This technological shift is prompting a rethink of hiring and training strategies. “AI’s impact has focused more on tasks than roles — at least for now,” explains Maisa Maarouf, head of HR at BSA Law. But as software takes over more routine work, firms are questioning how junior lawyers will acquire the hands-on experience and judgment traditionally gained through these foundational tasks.
Hiring hasn’t dried up, but the bar is higher. Firms are now looking for junior candidates who bring not just legal knowledge, but also commercial awareness, ethical judgment, and a healthy dose of technological fluency. “It’s about combining legal skill with the ability to harness new tools,” says Ahmed El Shakankiry, board member of the Middle East chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel.
There are financial pressures, too. Newly qualified solicitors in the UAE earned between AED28,000 and AED63,000 a month in 2025, depending on the firm. But as AI reduces the need for large teams of juniors, both salaries and entry-level opportunities may come under strain.
Even the traditional billable-hours model is feeling the heat. “When work takes less time, clients begin to question hourly billing,” notes Paulina Zalewska, legal director at Sovereign PPG Corporate Services. That’s opening the door to new, more transparent pricing models.
The race to innovate is well underway. US-based Anthropic has rolled out an AI legal tool, and Beirut-based startup Haqq just raised $3 million to further develop its platform, which promises to generate client-ready work from a single prompt.
But there are risks. AI “hallucinations”—where software fabricates cases or arguments—have already been documented, raising concerns about liability and the need for human oversight.
As Gulf law firms accelerate adoption, they face a balancing act: making the most of AI’s efficiencies while ensuring that young lawyers still have the chance to develop the judgment, ethics, and experience that remain at the heart of good legal practice.
