The Rapid Rise of Generative AI in the Legal Profession
The legal profession is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the exponential growth of generative AI (GenAI). In 2024, the use of AI in legal practices nearly tripled compared to the previous year, jumping from 11% in 2023 to 30% in 2024, according to industry surveys.
This surge in adoption is not slowing down. Thomson Reuters’ 2025 Generative AI in Professional Services Report reveals that 26% of legal organizations now actively use generative AI, nearly doubling from 14% in 2024. While only 15% of law firms currently consider GenAI central to their workflows, a staggering 78% believe it will become indispensable within the next five years.
The transformation is evident across the legal industry. AI is automating routine tasks, boosting lawyer productivity through advanced document review tools, and enabling data-driven decision-making. It’s also optimizing workflows, enhancing strategic planning, and even influencing pricing strategies and competitive intelligence.
Small and solo law firms are leading the charge. Smokeball’s 2025 State of Law Report notes that AI adoption among these firms skyrocketed from 27% in 2023 to 53% in 2024. This dramatic increase highlights how smaller practices are leveraging AI to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Experts predict this trend will only accelerate. David Cunningham, Chief Innovation Officer at Reed Smith, forecasts a five-year surge in AI adoption, with firms prioritizing implementation to maintain their edge. Over 95% of legal professionals now expect GenAI to become central to their workflows within five years.
Despite the rapid growth, the integration of GenAI is more evolution than revolution. As Thomson Reuters’ report states, “The GenAI revolution was never really a revolution… it has not broken the ways professionals work or significantly disrupted the interactions between firms and their clients. Instead, for professional services, it has been more of an evolution.”
This evolution is reshaping legal practice, creating new opportunities and challenges. Law firms are transitioning from experimental AI use to large-scale implementations, focusing on specific use cases that deliver tangible value. The rise of “hybrid builders”—firms combining foundational AI models with custom applications—signals a new era of innovation, emphasizing client-driven transparency and efficiency.
Expanding Adoption Across the Legal Industry
The adoption of generative AI within the legal profession is marked by varying rates across different segments. According to the American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Survey Report, approximately 21% of law firms are now utilizing legal-specific generative AI tools. This figure underscores the growing acceptance of AI solutions tailored to legal workflows.
AffiniPay’s 2025 Legal Industry Report provides further insight, indicating that while 31% of individual lawyers at law firms are using generative AI, organizational adoption lags slightly at 21%. This disparity highlights the ongoing transition from individual experimentation to broader, firm-wide implementation of AI technologies.
One of the most striking indicators of AI adoption is the 315% increase in usage by law firm professionals from 2023 to 2024. This rapid growth reflects the legal industry’s recognition of AI’s potential to enhance efficiency and innovation. As firms continue to explore AI’s capabilities, the focus is increasingly on integrating these tools into core workflows to drive measurable outcomes.
The competitive landscape is also evolving, with firms of all sizes leveraging AI to maintain their edge. The significant rise in AI adoption among small and solo law firms, as reported by Smokeball, demonstrates how these practices are embracing technology to stay competitive. This trend suggests that AI is becoming a crucial component for firms aiming to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
As the legal profession continues on this transformative path, the focus remains on harnessing AI’s potential to enhance operational efficiency and deliver value to clients. The ongoing evolution of AI in legal practice is poised to drive further innovation, shaping the future of the industry in positive and dynamic ways.
Conclusion
The legal industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the rapid adoption of generative AI. As highlighted by the American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Survey Report and AffiniPay’s 2025 Legal Industry Report, the use of AI tools is growing at an unprecedented rate, with a 315% increase in adoption from 2023 to 2024. While individual lawyers are leading the charge, firms are increasingly implementing AI solutions to streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and deliver better client outcomes. The competitive landscape is evolving, with small and solo law firms embracing AI to stay competitive. As the legal profession continues to harness the potential of AI, the future promises further innovation and positive transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is generative AI being used in the legal industry?
Generative AI is being used to enhance legal workflows, including document drafting, research, contract review, and case analysis. It helps streamline tasks, improve accuracy, and enable lawyers to focus on strategic and client-focused work.
What percentage of law firms are using generative AI?
According to the American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Survey Report, approximately 21% of law firms are now utilizing legal-specific generative AI tools. This reflects a growing trend toward firm-wide adoption.
What are the benefits of AI for small and solo law firms?
AI levels the playing field for small and solo law firms by enabling them to automate tasks, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. This allows them to compete more effectively with larger firms while delivering high-quality legal services.
How fast is AI adoption growing in the legal industry?
AI adoption in the legal industry is growing rapidly, with a 315% increase in usage by law firm professionals from 2023 to 2024. This highlights the legal profession’s recognition of AI’s potential to drive innovation and efficiency.
What does the future of AI in the legal industry look like?
The future of AI in the legal industry is poised for further innovation. As firms continue to integrate AI into core workflows, the focus will shift to maximizing its potential to enhance operational efficiency, improve client outcomes, and drive transformative change.
