In The American Lawyer, Patrick Ryan and Jack Bagley Discuss Ropes & Gray's AI Ascend Program

In The News
November 13, 2026
Attorneys:

Patrick Ryan, director of knowledge management innovation, and Jack Bagley, an asset management associate, were quoted in an article published in The American Lawyer about how law firms are giving attorneys creditable hours for AI training and development.

The article highlights AI Ascend, the Ropes & Gray’s AI training program that gives all associates and counsel 100 creditable innovation hours to develop AI competency, integrate AI into client work, and drive innovation at the firm. Patrick called the program “an investment in the human capital” of the firm and example of firm leadership’s strategic thinking.

Jack said the program “meets you where you are,” so it works for skilled builders and AI novices alike. “Having the 100 creditable hours, you can really dig in and get your hands dirty with the tools,” he said. “I see a lot of people come up with impactful things in our practice group that have helped move the work forward and help better serve clients.”