The future of work is here, and it’s driven by Artificial Intelligence. According to Victor Lazarte, a general partner at the prominent venture capital firm Benchmark, AI is already having a significant impact on the job market, particularly in two key white-collar professions: law and recruitment. Speaking candidly during an episode of the “Twenty Minute VC” podcast, Lazarte dropped a bold statement: AI is not just augmenting workers; it’s “fully replacing people.”
AI is More Than Just a Tool—It’s a Game Changer for Legal and Recruiting Professionals
Lazarte’s blunt take challenges the corporate narrative that AI’s role in the workplace is to simply assist humans. “Big companies talk about, like, ‘AI isn’t replacing people, it’s augmenting them,’” he said, adding, “This is bullshit. It’s fully replacing people.” For industries like law and recruitment, this reality could spell trouble, especially as AI technology becomes more advanced and efficient.
Lawyers: The Wake-Up Call They Didn’t See Coming
For aspiring lawyers, Lazarte’s prediction is especially concerning. He urges law students to think about the future and asks a daunting question: “What could you do three years from now that AI could not?” His point? “There’s not going to be that many things,” as AI continues to develop faster than the industry’s ability to adapt.
In fact, Lazarte believes the future of legal work will see AI replacing many of the routine tasks handled by junior lawyers today. Much of the grunt work—such as legal research, document review, and the tedious tasks that often fall to fresh associates—could be taken over by AI models, which are already being tested in the legal tech space.
The Pressure Mounts for Recruiters: AI’s Efficiency is Unmatched
In the recruitment world, AI is poised to transform the entire hiring process. Lazarte highlights that AI models are rapidly evolving to handle recruitment tasks, such as conducting interviews and screening candidates. This is a significant threat to traditional hiring practices, where recruiters often spend hours reviewing résumés, arranging interviews, and sorting through endless piles of applications. AI can streamline this process, cutting down on time and costs while increasing efficiency.
AI tools like OptimAI Recruiter, developed by the AI startup OptimHire, are already demonstrating how AI can fully automate much of the hiring process. The company raised $5 million in March to further develop its AI-powered recruitment agent, which can source candidates, conduct screening calls, and even schedule interviews—tasks traditionally handled by human recruiters.
The Rise of Legal Tech and AI-Driven Recruitment
As Lazarte’s predictions begin to unfold, both industries are already feeling the heat. In the legal field, AI has been creeping into various aspects of legal work, helping law firms handle high volumes of paperwork and perform detailed research more efficiently than human associates. A March 2025 legal tech conference showcased the growing concern within the legal profession. Todd Itami, a lawyer at Covington & Burling, openly warned that “Lawyers are dinosaurs” and emphasized the necessity for legal professionals to embrace AI for their survival.
Meanwhile, in recruitment, startups like OptimHire are disrupting the hiring process by using AI to replace traditional recruiters. As companies increasingly turn to AI to automate candidate sourcing and selection, Lazarte’s prediction seems to be rapidly becoming a reality.
Smaller, More Valuable Companies Powered by AI
Looking ahead, Lazarte believes that companies will become “more valuable” and much smaller as a result of AI integration. The idea of scaling with fewer human resources might sound alarming, but it’s a reality that many businesses are already preparing for. By streamlining operations and eliminating redundant jobs, companies are poised to increase profitability, with AI handling tasks that were once thought to be solely within the realm of human workers.
Preparing for a Future with AI: What Can Professionals Do?
For those in the legal and recruiting professions, the clock is ticking. Lazarte’s advice is clear: adapt or risk being replaced. Lawyers and recruiters need to stay ahead of the curve, learning how to leverage AI tools to their advantage rather than fight against them. Embracing technology and investing in learning about AI can help professionals remain relevant in an increasingly automated world.
AI’s influence on the workforce is undeniable, and professions like law and recruitment are feeling the pressure. As Victor Lazarte pointed out, AI isn’t just a supplementary tool; it’s transforming entire industries. While this may seem like a challenge for some professionals, it also presents an opportunity to innovate and evolve. The future of work may be smaller, but it’s likely to be much more efficient—powered by AI.
