AI Is Transforming Law— And That Could Transform Civilization
Key takeaways
- Leadership Strategies AI Is Transforming Law— And That Could Transform Civilization By Joseph Andrew,
- Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.
- For most of history, access to law has been defined by scarcity.
Leadership Strategies AI Is Transforming Law— And That Could Transform Civilization By Joseph Andrew,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Joe Andrew writes about the business of law.Follow Author Jun 12, 2026, 03:40am EDTLaw is the operating system of business and of rules-based civilization. AI turns law from episodic consultation into continuous infrastructure.getty Here is a big thought to consider: could the AI transformation of law transform all business, and by doing so transform civilization itself? Imagine a transformative ripple effect that could create billionaires, bankrupt some of the biggest companies on the planet, and topple governments.
For most of history, access to law has been defined by scarcity. Legal knowledge existed, often in great depth and sophistication, but it was not readily available to those who needed it at the moment decisions were made. Even experienced business leaders, operating at the highest levels, encountered law not as a continuous presence, but as an episodic intervention—something consulted after a decision had begun to take shape, or after a problem had already emerged.