12/19/2025
I recently went back to speak to law students at a career forum, and so many of them asked the same question:
What should I really be focusing on in law school to set myself up for the future?
They were expecting me to say straight As.
Law review.
Clerkships.
And yes, those things matter. But what genuinely surprised them was my real answer: the most important thing they can work on is building a real human connection.
We’re entering a world where AI is making law firms faster, leaner, and more efficient. Research, drafting, and organization are smoother than ever. But especially in litigation, the heart of the work is still human.
It’s the ability to listen.
To empathize.
To communicate clearly and honestly.
To connect with clients, jurors, and lived experience in a meaningful way.
That ability is what will make these students employable, effective, and valuable. No matter how the technology changes, that part of the profession will always be human.