As 2025 draws to a close, the legal technology landscape has undergone significant transformations, setting the stage for even more groundbreaking developments in 2026. Conversations with key figures in the industry highlight the trends and innovations that have defined the year and offer insights into what the future holds.
Reflecting on 2025: Key Milestones and Shifts
2025 has been a pivotal year for legal technology, marked by a shift from push to pull in terms of demand for new tech solutions. John Craske, CIO & CKO at CMS, notes the emergence of new roles designed to support technology adoption within legal firms. Craske has also been instrumental in creating a legal AI charter under the Legal IT Innovators Group (LITIG), aiming to establish an AI benchmark.
The year witnessed a surge in legal technology adoption, particularly with Microsoft Copilot, as licensing restrictions eased. Lawfront’s CIO Tony McKenna highlights a notable shift towards leveraging the Microsoft stack and the development of proprietary AI tools. However, he cautions about the need for sustained investment and support for these systems, advocating for partnerships with external providers.
Predictions for 2026: New Roles and AI Innovations
Looking ahead to 2026, several industry leaders predict the rise of ‘lawyer-builders’ and increased focus on workflow and playbook creation. A renaissance in knowledge management is expected, alongside advancements in agentic AI, which promises to further enhance legal processes.
Travers Smith’s CTO, Oliver Bethell, anticipates more automated workflows for routine tasks and continued research into agentic AI. This aligns with the broader trend of AI creating new advisory opportunities within the legal sector.
Ethics and Governance in AI
Strategic advisor Jenifer Swallow emphasizes the importance of ethics and governance at the intersection of AI and legal processes. Swallow predicts a shift from focusing on AI’s potential hallucinations to broader risk management strategies. The trend towards standardization in legal processes and the adoption of frameworks is expected to continue, potentially leading to technical competence requirements.
The Role of Microsoft and Emerging Technologies
Microsoft remains a central player in the legal tech arena. Tony McKenna of Lawfront points to a continued focus on Microsoft tools like SharePoint and the integration possibilities they bring. This focus is echoed by Clifford Chance’s CTO, Paul Greenwood, who describes 2025 as a year of unprecedented tech adoption, driven by tools like Microsoft Copilot and Clifford Chance Assist, a private GenAI tool built on Azure OpenAI.
Greenwood outlines a three-prong approach to technology adoption, noting that 90% of the firm now utilizes AI, a significant increase from previous years. The challenge, he suggests, lies in whether established vendors can keep pace with new AI-enabled startups.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The legal technology community has enjoyed a vibrant year, with significant events like the ILTA conferences and Legal IT Insider’s 30th anniversary. As the industry moves into 2026, there is a palpable excitement about the rapid pace of innovation and the potential for technology to redefine legal services.
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