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2025 Mid-Year U.S. Legal Market Survey: Insights on Legal Practice Trends and AI Impact

The Best Lawyers network has unveiled significant findings from its 2025 Mid-Year U.S. Legal Market Survey, offering critical insights into the current landscape of the legal profession. Conducted alongside the release of the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the sixth edition of Best Lawyers Ones to Watch®, the survey collected responses from legal practitioners to understand their perspectives amid economic fluctuations and technological advancements.

Key Findings from the Survey

The survey gathered responses from 401 legal professionals, primarily from law firms employing over 100 attorneys recognized in the latest edition. Notably, half of the respondents possess 25 years or more of experience, reflecting the depth and seasoned insight of the participating lawyers. Here are the highlights from the survey:

Economic Climate and Its Effects on Legal Practice

Despite the overarching economic uncertainty affecting various sectors, the legal industry seems relatively insulated, with many lawyers reporting favorable conditions. Key statistics include:

• - Nearly 40% of participants observed that economic challenges and regulatory changes have escalated the demand for their services.
• - An additional 32% noted their business operations remained stable, while over 70% indicated that current market dynamics have not adversely affected their practices.
• - Impressively, 48% felt their business outlook is stronger than the previous year, and a further 31% saw no change, attributing a positive sentiment to potential growth.

However, it’s worth noting that clients may leverage the current climate to request concessions, as almost 25% of lawyers reported experiencing requests for discounts from clients, with about a third facing delayed or canceled engagements.

AI: A Double-Edged Sword for Legal Practitioners

The survey also explored attorneys' views on the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legal work. The findings reveal a significantly optimistic outlook:

• - A staggering 90% of lawyers expressed a favorable attitude toward implementing AI in their legal practices. Among these, 44% felt their firms are incredibly well-prepared to tackle client expectations regarding AI, while 46% were somewhat ready.
• - On a more personal scale, 71% of respondents either welcomed AI or utilized it on a case-by-case basis, with 81% of less experienced lawyers (under 20 years) indicating that they embrace this technology.
• - Despite optimism, 53.5% of participants believe that technology may undermine the integrity of legal work. A marked contrast in outlook appears between different experience levels; only 44% of respondents with less than 20 years in practice share this concern compared to 61% of those practicing for over 20 years.

Announcing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards

The survey coincides with the acknowledgment of legal professionals through the 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers Ones to Watch in America. This year, the awards represent the finest attorneys across 151 practice areas, celebrating the top 5% of lawyers nationwide. Furthermore, the **