Global law firm Kennedys has partnered with Spellbook, a generative AI platform for lawyers, to launch an AI-driven training programme for junior associates. The initiative is among the first large-scale efforts to address how automation is reshaping entry-level legal work and how firms must adapt their recruitment and training strategies for the next generation of legal talent.
This new programme is designed to help junior lawyers learn how to work effectively with AI tools, now transforming legal work. The training focuses on real-world tasks such as contract drafting, document review, and redlining. These are the areas where automation is becoming standard practice.
However, the initiative is powered by Spellbook, a generative AI platform built on OpenAI’s GPT-5 and other large language models. Spellbook is already used by over 4,000 legal teams in 80 countries, reviewing more than 10 million contracts worldwide.
Catherine Goodman, Chief Knowledge Officer at Kennedys, said the firm’s goal is to make sure AI improves, not replaces, early-career learning.
“We’re creating simulated legal scenarios that let junior lawyers practice real assignments,” Goodman said. “It helps them build confidence and gain experience before handling client-facing work.”
The pilot will begin later this year in Kennedy’s UK and US offices, with plans to share insights and best practices across the global legal community.
Where the Gap Lies: AI Outpacing Legal Training
The rise of automation has created a growing gap between what junior lawyers are trained to do and what law firms now need. As AI takes over entry-level tasks like contract preparation and document review, young lawyers lose vital opportunities to learn through hands-on work. This shift is reshaping not only legal workflows but also how firms recruit and develop talent.
The Kennedys–Spellbook collaboration signals a broader trend: the definition of a “qualified lawyer” is changing. Recruiters now prioritise candidates who can:
- Collaborate with AI tools
- Analyse data-driven insights
- Adapt to continuous digital transformation
This reflects a larger movement across professional services, where recruitment is no longer about credentials alone. It is more about capability, curiosity, and adaptability.
Fortray’s Role in the Future of Legal Work
For recruitment firms like Fortray, this evolution represents both a challenge and an opportunity. As law firms automate core functions, they need professionals who can combine legal reasoning with digital fluency.
Fortray supports this shift by offering legal recruitment solutions. We connect you with lawyers who understand emerging tools such as Spellbook, LexisNexis AI, and other legal automation platforms.
From sourcing digitally skilled junior lawyers to advising firms on future-proof hiring models, Fortray acts as a strategic recruitment partner in the evolving legal landscape.
