The CMCP Annual Business Conference made one thing clear: the legal industry is navigating rapid change, from AI adoption to evolving DEI strategies to rethinking the GC role itself. Our Paragon team came away with powerful insights into where in-house practice is headed.
1. AI Is Elevating, Not Replacing, Lawyers, But the Real Story Is How
It’s no surprise that AI is freeing lawyers from repetitive tasks. What stood out is how teams are putting it into practice: reviewing thousands of NDAs at the push of a button, accelerating turnaround times, and even creating space for more proactive risk management. As Daphne Manilla, Senior Recruiter at Paragon Legal, put it:
“AI isn’t replacing lawyers, it’s raising the bar for what they’re expected to deliver. By handling the repetitive work, it allows Legal to show up as true business partners.”
2. Industry Context Shapes Adoption
The pace and style of AI adoption look different across industries and client communities. Some teams are eager to embed advanced tools, while others are more cautious, underscoring that implementation has to match culture and context.
3. The GC Role Is Expanding
More than ever, the general counsel role extends far beyond legal advice. Today, it demands business acumen, operational insight, and the ability to lead confidently through uncertainty. Anna Armstrong, Paragon Legal Senior Director of Recruiting, reflected:
“Today’s GC is a strategist, a problem-solver, and often the one holding space for uncertainty. Success comes from adaptability and resilience, not just legal expertise.”
4. The Language of DEI Is Shifting
Political and cultural shifts are changing how organizations talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Some are rebranding their language, but the core takeaway is that silence isn’t an option. Teams need to communicate commitments clearly to build trust and avoid disengagement.
5. Recognition and Authenticity Matter
Recognition isn’t only about high-profile wins. Everyday acknowledgment, being seen as a trusted voice or expert, has long-term impact. Speakers also emphasized that authenticity is power: when lawyers bring their full selves to work, it builds credibility and opens the door for more inclusive leadership.
As Anna Armstrong emphasized:
“When you tell people about your contributions, you are defining who you are in the workplace. This will help you build allies, which is important at all stages of your career. When you lead with your authentic self, you will create a safe space for others to do the same.”
6. Strengthening the Pipeline Is Critical
With law school applications on the rise, there’s renewed opportunity to mentor and support early-career lawyers. Investing in the pipeline is one of the most powerful ways to make DEI commitments real and to shape the profession for the future.
The Bottom Line
AI, adaptability, inclusion, and mentorship aren’t separate threads, they’re interwoven priorities shaping the future of the legal profession.
As Daphne Manilla summed it up:
“Conferences like CMCP remind us that change in the legal industry isn’t abstract, it’s happening now. The challenge, and the opportunity, is to turn these insights into action for our teams and the communities we serve.”
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