Human skills in an AI world

Technological competence/AI fluency  

This is the most clearly urgent cross-sector skill because 2026 workforce and learning research treats AI fluency as foundational, not optional. In professional services, AI is increasingly part of delivery, analysis, and client work, so consultants need to know how to use tools and assess outputs.  

Critical thinking and judgment 

This is the most defensible human skill because the research consistently suggests AI can speed up output but cannot reliably replace evaluation, interpretation, or responsibility for decisions. In legal work especially, the ability to spot weak reasoning, question an answer, and decide what is actually usable matters more as AI-generated material becomes more abundant. That makes judgment one of the safest and strongest skills to highlight. 

Communication and relationship building 

These skills are critical because legal practice is still deeply human: clients need reassurance, clarity, and trust, and those are not automated by AI. The more routine work AI handles, the more visible someone’s interpersonal value becomes, especially in explaining options, managing expectations, and keeping relationships stable under pressure. That is why communication and relationship building remain central rather than secondary. 

Adaptability and continuous learning 

This is the most future-proof skill to acquire because the AI environment is changing too quickly for any fixed skill set to remain sufficient for long. The research theme in 2026 is not a one-time transformation but ongoing adaptation: new tools, new workflows, new client expectations, and new compliance concerns. Professionals who keep learning can absorb those changes without losing effectiveness, which is why adaptability is one of the most essential skills to emphasise. 

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Raf Uzar heads marketing, communication and development at law firm Penteris and is a member of the UK's Chartered Institute of Marketing.