# McKinsey's AI Analysts Shift Work Model

> McKinsey uses 20,000 AI agents to replace junior associates, cutting headcount from 45,000 to 40,000 since 2023.
- Title: McKinsey's AI Analysts Shift Work Model · The Motley Fool
- Summary: McKinsey uses 20,000 AI agents to replace junior associates, cutting headcount from 45,000 to 40,000 since 2023. McKinsey employs 20,000 AI agents to replace…
- Keywords: mckinsey, ai agents, junior associates, headcount, consulting firms, agile work, revenue model, ai transition, finance, money, McKinsey's, Analysts
- Source: The Motley Fool — https://fool.com/investing/2026/10/21/mckinsey-s-newest-analysts-are-ai-agents
- Author: The Motley Fool Team
- Published: 2026-10-21T20:15:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mckinsey, ai agents, junior associates, headcount, consulting firms, agile work, revenue model, ai transition, finance, money
## McKinsey's New Work Model
McKinsey uses 20,000 AI agents to replace junior associates, cutting headcount from 45,000 to 40,000 since 2023.
## What Is AGI?
AGI helps with research and drafting but needs supervision, unlike AI that works independently for days without oversight.
## Paid for Time or Access?
Companies paid per hour lose revenue as AI works faster, but those paid per outcome gain from clients needing their content.
## RELX's AI Strategy
RELX owns LexisNexis, legal research databases, and has 10% growth with 75% of renewal value on its higher-priced AI tier.
## Intapp's AI Advantage
Intapp's software is used by law and accounting firms, with 15% revenue growth and 123% cloud net revenue retention.
## Thomson Reuters' Position
Thomson Reuters owns Westlaw and tax content but hasn't yet shown clients paying more for its AI tier.
## Accenture's Challenge
Accenture uses AI for analysis but hasn't shown clients paying more per unit of work or protected from AI.
## ExlService's Risk
ExlService provides back office services for insurers and banks but hasn't shown clients paying more for AI work.
## Gartner's Decline
Gartner's client count fell 4.5% as AI absorbed its research work without new pricing.
## Robert Half's Drop
Robert Half's revenue fell 2.5% as AI absorbed its finance and accounting work.
## The Billable Hour Boost
Law firm revenue grew 13% with 8.7% higher revenue per lawyer and 14% higher profits per partner.
## RELX's Next Move
RELX reports third-quarter results on Oct. 22, with investors watching legal growth near 10%.
## Key takeaway

McKinsey employs 20,000 AI agents to replace junior associates, reducing headcount from 45,000 to 40,000 since 2.023.