In a recent Fortune article, Dentons global CEO Kate Barton made one thing clear: while AI is revolutionizing the legal world, it won’t replace what matters most—emotional intelligence (EQ).
AI tools are helping lawyers become faster and more efficient, handling everything from contract drafting to legal research. But the “human layer” of lawyering—judgment, empathy, persuasion—is where the real value lies. Barton notes that AI may only free up about five hours a week for lawyers. Why? Because clients don’t just want answers—they want guidance, nuance, and someone who can read a room.
She urges law firms to treat EQ not as a soft skill, but a core one—something to be taught, developed, and measured like any legal competency. At Dentons, that includes structured EQ training, mentorship, and leadership modeling.
Her message? The lawyers who thrive in the AI age will be those who know when to use AI—and when to lean into humanity.
“Winning,” she says, “isn’t just about being smart. It’s about being emotionally aware.”
