Law360: AI Is a New BD Tool for Associates — Junior Lawyers Can Now Build Relationship Capital

Law360 published analysis this week on how associates can use AI to gain a business development edge — framing AI-assisted research, briefing, and client intelligence as a credible path for junior lawyers to build relationship capital that previously required years of partner sponsorship. The core argument is that AI tools enable associates to produce thought leadership, sector analysis, and client-relevant market intelligence at a quality and speed that was previously available only to well-resourced senior practitioners. For CMOs and BD directors, this is a talent development and cultural argument as much as a technology one: firms that train associates to use AI for BD purposes — and create structures for that work to reach client teams — are building a pipeline of relationship capital across more levels of the firm. The alternative is a BD model that remains partner-concentrated, with all relationship investment concentrated in the people most likely to be lateraled away.