Are Lawyers Losing the Art of Deep Thinking?

As AI transforms the legal profession and the pressure to work faster continues to grow, are lawyers losing sight of what makes them valuable in the first place? In this episode, we're joined by Mike Whelan, Jr. of Lawyer Forward for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of law, the importance of critical thinking, and why slowing down might be exactly what the profession needs. We explore how the economics of practicing law, the rising cost of legal education, and the push for greater efficiency are shaping the profession, and whether those pressures are pulling lawyers further away from their responsibility to serve the public good. Mike also shares his perspective on what AI can't easily replicate: the ability to think deeply, recognize patterns, and draw connections. We discuss why those skills matter more than ever, how lawyers can make space for bigger-picture thinking, and why the profession has the power to challenge its own status quo. Connect with Mike on LinkedIn and Substack.