AI will identify BigLaw’s rainmakers faster — and weed out the rest

AI is expected to accelerate the identification of future legal rainmakers in BigLaw by focusing on strategic and business-building skills rather than execution. Cooley's CEO, Rachel Proffitt, highlights that AI will enable earlier talent sorting, promoting those with high EQ, tech, and networking skills while reducing reliance on traditional lockstep advancement. The firm is developing an AI-powered portal for routine legal tasks.