In a revealing interview, David Goldschmidt, a retiring senior partner at elite law firm Skadden, has made a bold prediction that artificial intelligence will fundamentally transform the legal profession by 2026. Goldschmidt, who has spent over three decades at the prestigious firm and served as global head of its capital markets practice, believes that AI will dramatically change how legal work is conducted, potentially eliminating certain roles while creating new opportunities for those who can adapt to the technology.
Goldschmidt’s perspective comes from a position of significant experience, having witnessed multiple technological shifts throughout his career. He specifically advised young lawyers to embrace AI rather than fear it, suggesting that those who master these tools will thrive while those who resist may find themselves obsolete. This insight from one of the legal industry’s most respected figures signals a critical turning point for law firms and legal professionals who must now seriously consider how AI integration will reshape their career trajectories and service delivery models.
The timing of this prediction is particularly significant as major law firms like Skadden are already investing heavily in AI capabilities, with some reporting substantial efficiency gains in document review, due diligence, and contract analysis. Goldschmidt’s 2026 timeline suggests that the legal industry is approaching a technological inflection point much faster than many practitioners realize, creating both urgency and opportunity for firms looking to maintain competitive advantage in an increasingly tech-driven legal landscape.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/skadden-david-goldschmidt-retires-career-advice-ai-2026-1