Steve Cole

Rochester Business Journal Staff//July 17, 2026//

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Managing Partner, Adams Leclair

Years in current role: 9

What changes in the legal industry do you believe will have the biggest impact on clients over the next few years?

The use of generative artificial intelligence by lawyers and clients will impact what questions are asked of lawyers and how they are asked. Clients are now able to obtain answers to legal questions based on specific facts before hiring a lawyer and during the course of representation. Lawyers with experience and skills in specific areas will themselves likely utilize AI resources to reduce client costs, improve efficiency, and add value. Additionally, use of AI by the courts will certainly impact litigation processes and outcomes in ways that are not entirely clear.

What is one challenge currently facing the legal profession that deserves more attention?

There is presently no clear or common understanding of when and how to utilize generative AI administratively and for legal work across different platforms. The risks of errors in legal work where authority is not verified have been well documented. The challenge appears to be finding one or more accepted methodologies for effectively utilizing AI resources across the various functions of the law firm, given risk of inaccuracies.

What is one accomplishment — professional or personal — that you are especially proud of?

I am proud that during my tenure as managing partner of Adams Leclair, we have been able to attract the incredibly talented attorneys, paralegals and staff that currently serve our clients. We have grown from three partners to 10 over the past nine years. This process included a merger and lateral partner hires, as well as hiring of experienced and new attorneys to support our work for clients. We have done so while maintaining a work environment that promotes work-life balance, professional growth, mentorship and collaboration.

This profile is part of our Litigation Power List for 2026. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.