The AI Imperative: Reshaping of the Legal Industry
Perspectives from across the legal industry and results from our 2026 AI in Legal survey, with practical guidance for legal industry leaders.
AI’s Transformative Impact on Legal Services
Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping how legal work is resourced, valued, and delivered. As the legal sector moves beyond experimentation, both in-house teams and law firms are embracing more significant changes to their operating models. This period marks a pivotal shift, with AI set to drive lasting transformation across the industry.
Deloitte has engaged widely across the legal ecosystem, including in-house teams, law firms, academia, and technology providers, to assess the strategic implications of AI. Drawing on the most comprehensive data we have gathered to date, our 2026 survey brings together diverse industry perspectives and offers practical guidance for legal leaders navigating this new era.
AI investment budgets have grown significantly year on year, but most spending is still focused on technology over people.
Almost half of organisations do not have a formal AI strategy, creating risks for adoption and long-term success.
Legal departments expect AI to automate or save over a quarter of their work in the next two to three years.
Most legal leaders believe AI will fundamentally change how law firms price their services in the near future.
Our thinking
