The Rise of the Chief AI Officer in Law Firms: Why Mid-Size Firms Need an AI Strategy Lead — Even If It's Not a Full-Time Role

AmLaw 100 firms have appointed Chief AI Officers in record numbers in 2026. Mid-market firms (25–200 attorneys) usually skip the title — and pay for it. Here's the case for naming an AI strategy lead, what they actually do, and why the role doesn't have to be full-time to work.