As the legal profession undergoes rapid transformation, the traditional measures of success are no longer enough, and the standards for achievement have evolved. So, what must lawyers do in the coming year to ensure they reach their fullest potential?
The legal profession stands on the brink of rapid transformation, and traditional measures of a lawyer’s success – legal knowledge and billable hours – are no longer enough.
Heading into 2026, leading practitioners are placing greater emphasis on a combination of technical expertise, emotional intelligence, client-focused thinking, and the ability to adapt to new technologies.
To navigate this clear shift in what success looks like, three partners from major law firms share their insights and offer a roadmap for lawyers aiming to stand out in the year ahead.
2026’s blueprint for lawyer success
In response to this shift in the profession, the standards, skills, and habits that define a successful lawyer have not just evolved – they have transformed entirely.
David Eliakim, M&A practice leader and partner at King & Wood Mallesons, emphasises that one of the most essential – and non-negotiable – skills for a successful lawyer in the coming year is combining confidence with proactive engagement.
“Confidence and, importantly, being proactive – taking the time to understand clients, reaching out to ask good questions and then boldly putting forward ideas to help them,” Eliakim said.
Similarly, Matthew FitzGerald, managing partner for the corporate practice at HSF Kramer in Australia and Asia, pointed to a growth mindset as a defining trait of successful lawyers, enabling them to embrace change and seize emerging opportunities.
“Having a growth mindset is critical to your success as a lawyer,” FitzGerald said.
“As the legal landscape is rapidly evolving, lawyers who can embrace change and the opportunities being created through GenAI will be best positioned to be successful.”
He also emphasised that resilience is a crucial quality for lawyers, noting that a legal career is inherently demanding – and this challenge will only continue to grow in 2026.
“Another important quality for lawyers to have in their toolkit is resilience,” FitzGerald said.
“A legal career involves a lot of hard work, so lawyers who are resilient and can take a medium-term view on their careers rather than focusing on the day-to-day or short term are more likely to be successful.”
While internal qualities like confidence, growth, and resilience are critical, Kate Axup, partner at Allens, argued that client-centred thinking will be the ultimate differentiator for lawyers in the years ahead.
“The most successful lawyers in 2026 will be those who put client-centred thinking at the heart of their practice – aligning advice with clients’ broader goals and anticipating challenges. Putting themselves in the client’s shoes,” Axup said.
Embracing technological transformation
As lawyers look toward 2026, staying ahead of the curve requires more than legal expertise – it demands the ability to anticipate, respond to, and adapt to the sweeping changes reshaping the legal profession.
In the year ahead, the primary challenge highlighted by FitzGerald for lawyers will be navigating the impact of GenAI tools on the legal industry.
However, he also emphasised that when harnessed effectively, these technologies offer significant opportunities for lawyers to enhance their practice and deliver greater value to clients.
“The biggest single change in the legal industry currently is the use and deployment of GenAI to legal services,” FitzGerald said.
“This is a challenge our industry is grappling with, but it also represents an exciting opportunity to help streamline the provision of legal services and support lawyers to undertake more strategic work alongside their clients.”
“Lawyers should embrace the opportunities that GenAI presents in a thoughtful manner, noting that with any new technologies, there are risks to be carefully managed.”
Eliakim echoed this perspective, noting that while human judgement will remain irreplaceable in 2026, proficiency with AI will become increasingly critical, emerging as a key factor that defines a successful lawyer in today’s legal landscape.
“Be really good at using AI frequently – there will always be a role for the judgement that humans bring, but make sure you are investing time to learn and apply the best tools available to you,” Eliakim said.
While times of change can bring uncertainty, Axup emphasised that success in this evolving landscape will depend on mindset, with adaptability and curiosity distinguishing those who thrive from those who merely keep pace.
“We’re facing a time of immense change in the legal profession, and a curious mindset, and a willingness to try new approaches to old problems, will be an important habit for lawyers,” Axup said.
Rethinking old habits
However, while implementing new habits is important for achieving success, thriving in 2026 will also require letting go of outdated habits and mindsets.
Specifically, FitzGerald cautioned against lawyers being inflexible or believing they can repeatedly do the same tasks, warning that this mindset can be a significant barrier to success in a rapidly changing profession.
“Inflexibility and a view that you can continue to do the same tasks in the same way you have always done them. Lawyers who adopt this approach will be left behind in a rapidly changing legal landscape,” FitzGerald said.
“In my experience, most successful lawyers are adept at developing new skills in growth areas as their careers progress to ensure they are always pointed towards new opportunities.”
Eliakim echoed this perspective, urging lawyers entering the new year to go beyond routine tasks and actively contribute fresh ideas every day to stand out.
“Come to work every week with at least one idea which is outside doing the work on your table for that week – and be as diligent in taking that idea forward as you are with the work in front of you,” Eliakim said.
From good to outstanding: Practical strategies
To elevate yourself and perform at your highest level as a lawyer, there are simple, actionable steps you can take immediately to kick-start this transformation.
Eliakim advised that an effective strategy for lawyers is to take ownership of every piece of work as if it were going directly to the client, noting that this approach can elevate both their practice and the quality of the work they produce.
“Assume every piece of work you create will go straight to the client and you will have to explain yourself directly,” Eliakim said.
“Ask yourself after producing a draft, is this what I would say if a client put me in front of their board and asked me in two minutes or less to explain the issue so they are clear on how they might choose to tackle it?
“When you do get feedback from a senior lawyer on your work, insist on them explaining changes they have made so you understand why and learn from the experience.”
Highlighting the transformative role of technology and evolving client expectations, Axup noted that to thrive, lawyers should embrace digital tools, commit to continuous learning, and cultivate habits that enhance the value they deliver.
“The legal industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technology and evolving client expectations. Tasks that were once manual are becoming automated, freeing lawyers to focus on higher-value, strategic work.
“To stay ahead, lawyers should embrace digital tools, invest in continuous learning and build habits that elevate the value they deliver – whether that’s through greater precision, faster processes, or deeper client relationships,” she said.
FitzGerald also emphasised the importance of curiosity, encouraging lawyers to actively seek out and embrace opportunities as they arise, a mindset that holds tremendous value in today’s legal landscape.
“Be curious and be hungry to learn and embrace opportunities as these are presented to you,” FitzGerald said.
“Having the right mindset is critical, and lawyers need to channel the great Winston Churchill, who wisely observed that a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. Be an optimist!”
Lessons from experience
As lawyers look towards 2026, insights from experienced practitioners offer crucial guidance – reminding them that career lessons are just as important as technical expertise in shaping long-term success.
Reflecting on the advice she has received throughout her career, Axup emphasised that integrity and reputation are critical pillars for success, especially in a close-knit market like Australia’s.
“The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to always act with integrity and to treat counterparties and lawyers ‘on the other side’ with respect. The Australian legal market is small, and reputation is important,” Axup said.
FitzGerald highlighted the impact of attitude, noting that cultivating optimism and a proactive mindset not only boosts personal performance but also strengthens relationships with colleagues and clients.
“Your attitude is everything and something entirely within your control. If you bring positive energy and enthusiasm to every task you undertake, you are much more likely to be successful and have an enjoyable career,” FitzGerald said.
“People will gravitate towards you and also bring positive energy, which creates a virtuous circle.”
Eliakim said: “A career in law is a marathon, not a sprint – build consistently, be resilient and look after yourself along the way”.
