Survey2026-10-20

In-house legal teams are using AI to do more work themselves. Over half have already reduced assignments to outside counsel. Nearly all plan to cut such work within a year. Law firms are responding by passing on AI cost savings. They are also offering alternative billing models. Complex and high-stakes work will likely remain with law firms.

What changed

In-house teams sent most legal work to outside counsel without AI tools.

What it unlocks

Legal departments can now handle more routine legal work internally.

  • over 50% of in-house teams already cut outside counsel work
  • nearly all legal departments plan to cut work within a year

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