Navigating the Future of AI in Legal Practices

As we delve into the legal industry’s transformation through technology, an intriguing narrative has emerged this year with the collaboration between ACEDS and Secretariat. Together, they published the 2025 Legal AI Report, shedding light on how legal professionals are engaging with artificial intelligence. Despite initial caution, the report indicates a palpable sense of optimism and a quest for responsible AI implementation, which has since evolved into concrete actions.

The State of AI Adoption in Legal Firms

Fast forward a few months, and the trajectory of AI in legal practices is becoming clearer. The subsequent 2025 Ediscovery Innovation Report, developed in partnership with Everlaw and the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA), reveals a steadily increasing adoption of AI tools. This report illustrates a legal sector ready to embrace innovation, noting measurable benefits and a shift in traditional business models influenced by AI.

Legal Teams Are No Longer Waiting

The report highlights that 37% of legal professionals are already integrating generative AI into their workflow. This group largely consists of respondents from law firms, with 19% from Am Law 200 firms and 23% from midsize firms, alongside some representation from boutique practices. Notably, among those utilizing cloud-based eDiscovery platforms, this figure rises to 41%, a stark contrast to their on-premise counterparts.

The speed of adoption is not solely a matter of attitude; it is significantly shaped by the available infrastructure. Legal professionals leveraging cloud-based eDiscovery software are four times more likely to actively use generative AI and maintain a positive outlook on its future in legal processes. Furthermore, a substantial portion—more than half—believes that AI will become a standard tool in eDiscovery within the next two years. These insights underscore the vital role that technological infrastructure plays in the rapid and confident embrace of AI.

Tangible Benefits of AI in Workflows

The results from AI integration are not just theoretical—they are yielding significant time savings for legal professionals. The data reveals that 42% of respondents report saving 1–5 hours weekly through the use of generative AI. An additional 15% of respondents save more than five hours, with specific time savings broken down further:

• 8% save 5–10 hours per week
• 3% save 10–15 hours per week
• 4% save more than 15 hours per week

In aggregate, this translates to 260 hours reclaimed annually for each legal professional. For a firm with 757 attorneys, such time savings could equate to nearly 197,000 hours each year, the equivalent of adding 95 full-time employees focused on high-value tasks. This statistic signifies not just increased efficiency but a fundamental rethinking of work execution within the legal realm.

Shifting Mindsets and Business Models

A significant portion of respondents—more than 80%—believe that generative AI effectively offloads mundane tasks, allowing for greater focus on high-value work. Additionally:

• 76% see improved efficiency due to AI use.
• 72% report that AI enhances client value, marking a 16% increase from the previous year.

Despite the rising optimism, challenges persist. The report reveals that 63% of legal professionals still feel the industry is not adequately prepared for the ramifications of generative AI. As the pace of AI adoption accelerates, the demand for education, ethical guidelines, and strategic frameworks becomes increasingly urgent.

Moreover, the implications for business models are profound. An overwhelming 90% of respondents predict that generative AI will significantly alter billing practices in the near future, with nearly one in five expecting changes within just the next year. While the traditional billable hour might not disappear overnight, the increasing pressure to reevaluate pricing structures is evident.

As efficiency becomes the defining metric of value, legal practitioners with strong eDiscovery and technological proficiencies are likely to lead this evolving landscape. Those adept at harnessing AI will not only meet changing client expectations but also help shape the future of legal service delivery.

The continued exploration of AI integration within the legal field reinforces the necessity of staying informed, connected, and forward-thinking. This collaboration between ACEDS, Everlaw, and ILTA provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and hints at exciting directions ahead.

Feel free to explore the full findings by downloading the 2025 Ediscovery Innovation Report or revisiting insights from the 2025 Legal AI Report.