Editor's Desk

Walk into a modern distribution center. You might see autonomous forklifts navigating narrow aisles, sensors scanning inventory in real time, and human workers collaborating seamlessly with robotic arms.

Robotics and embodied AI (the integration of artificial intelligence into physical robots) are no longer futuristic concepts. They’re here, moving fast, and transforming how companies operate and deploy human talent. At the same time, these technologies introduce legal challenges and risks that general counsel and their teams must address.

This month, Parker Poe attorneys Robert Botkin and Carson Lane explore those risks in their cover story, offering practical guidance on everything from retraining programs and redeployment strategies to governance frameworks that balance innovation with compliance.

“Robotics in the workplace has the potential to displace human workers, one of the most significant labor concerns,” they write. “In the event workers are displaced, employers must ensure compliance with applicable labor laws while also taking into consideration workforce morale and productivity.”

The theme of anticipating change carries throughout this issue. Another article based on survey data from recruiting firm BarkerGilmore examines how in-house counsel compensation is shifting in 2025. Spoiler alert: salary growth is slowing, but bonus structures remain steady.

“This slowdown in compensation growth likely reflects broader market headwinds, including economic and political uncertainty, tighter corporate budgets, and volatility in sectors including tech and finance,” writes Katie Gilmore, going on to explain why cash bonuses have remained largely unchanged since last year. “This reflects high satisfaction levels with GC performance over the past year, as well as an effort to reward and retain top legal talent who were anticipating a more significant salary increase.”

Specialized knowledge makes it easier to negotiate a raise or salary at a new company. Don’t miss other valuable insights in this issue, including articles on tracking legal AI KPIs, responding to cyber incidents, navigating Trump’s tariffs, building strategic legal operations, and driving effective legal investigations

Also, be sure to read Today’s Managing Partner’s exclusive interview with Christopher Anderson of New Leaf Family, which explores how eliminating the billable hour in family law has transformed both client relationships and firm culture.

I hope this issue inspires you to lead boldly, whether you’re managing technological shifts, adapting to changing trade policies, or innovating new ways to deliver value.

Thank you for reading,

Amanda Kaiser, Editor-in-Chief