Future of Professionals Report 2026

Actionable insights for
law firm leaders

Explore how AI is reshaping the law firm landscape, the strategic paths firms are pursuing, and the practical actions leaders can take to remain competitive and deliver greater client value

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Key findings

38
%
of law firm professionals report significant or some financial pressure to act faster on AI
34
%
of law firm professionals use AI their organization hasn't approved, creating invisible risks organizations cannot monitor or control
24
%
of law firm professionals would categorically decline a job offer without access to professional-grade AI tools
32
%
of in-house legal professionals are already reconsidering or will reconsider relationships with firms that do not demonstrate clear AI-enabled value within the next 12 months
64
%
of professionals say AI meets or exceeds expectations where a clear AI strategy is in place, compared to just 29% where there is none

"The firms that are creating a true competitive advantage today are not the ones talking about AI, they're the ones operationalizing it."

Raghu Ramanathan

President, Legal Professionals, Thomson Reuters

Methodology

This report, based on the Future of Professionals Report 2026, draws from the perspectives of more than 736 law firm professionals from 46 countries around the globe, offering insights into the pressures AI is creating across talent, client relationships, and business models, as well as the strategic paths firms are pursuing in response.

We examine how these shifts are reshaping legal services and provide practical considerations for leaders looking to align with client expectations, strengthen competitive positioning, and prepare their organizations for the future. Explore the full report to better understand the opportunities, risks, and strategic choices shaping the future of legal services.

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