Are Patent Examiners at Risk Due to AI?

All legal support workers not listed separately.

The occupation “Legal Support Workers, All Other” has an automation risk of 0.0%, indicating that current and foreseeable technology is highly unlikely to replace these roles. This base risk rating demonstrates that the nature of the job largely involves tasks that are not easily codified into routines suitable for automation. While advancements in artificial intelligence and document management systems have automated some basic legal administrative functions, the diverse, specialized, and often unpredictable assignments performed by legal support workers remain beyond the capacity of present-day automation technologies. The tasks in this role often require critical thinking and adaptability that cannot be replicated by even the most advanced software. Among the job’s functions, the top three most automatable tasks include document management (e.g., storing and retrieving forms), basic data entry, and scheduling. These functions are rule-based and can be supported or augmented by existing technologies like databases, electronic calendars, and workflow platforms. However, these tasks represent only a minor part of the occupation’s typical workload. In contrast, the most resistant tasks include supporting complex case preparations, performing nuanced legal research that involves interpreting statutes and precedents, and providing tailored support in court or legal negotiations, all needing contextual judgment and flexible problem-solving. The primary bottleneck skills contributing to this occupation’s immunity from automation are complex problem-solving (Advanced), interpersonal communication (Advanced), and critical legal reasoning (Proficient to Advanced). These skills require a blend of domain expertise, adaptability, and nuanced understanding of legal processes—attributes that are difficult to encode into software or artificial intelligence. Indeed, legal support workers often operate in environments where every case can present unique requirements, with shifting legal standards and highly specific procedural needs. As technology evolves, the specialized, judgment-heavy nature of their responsibilities ensures that humans will remain essential in the execution of this vital support role within the legal profession.