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Bloomberg Law's Latest Report: Challenges and Opportunities in the Legal Field

On November 6, 2025, Bloomberg Law released its latest report titled "State of Practice: Forging Ahead," providing key insights into the evolving dynamics of the legal profession. With a comprehensive survey of over 750 legal practitioners, the report uncovers how shifting political influences and economic changes are shaping new realities for attorneys.

Key Insights from the Report

The findings reveal a landscape marked by several emerging challenges and opportunities. One of the most glaring issues highlighted is the increase in litigation volumes, which seems to correlate directly with economic factors affecting various sectors. Law firms are consequently engaging in strategic hiring and integrating new technologies to manage the escalating workload effectively.

Moreover, the report points to a notable rise in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) within legal practices. Most attorneys are now utilizing AI tools at least a few times a month for their work. However, the report also notes a considerable reluctance among many attorneys to fully embrace this technology, primarily due to fears of potential mistakes in their legal work.

The Economic and Political Landscape

Examining the economic influences, the report observes a marked surge in legal work, especially in litigation. Factors such as tariffs established during the Trump administration are impacting practice areas like mergers and acquisitions as well as international trade. This has led to slower negotiations and an increased demand for thorough due diligence from legal teams.

Additionally, more than half of the litigators surveyed reported an increase in their litigation volumes. Law firms are responding by not only hiring additional staff but also leveraging technology to automate routine tasks. Interestingly, while many attorneys acknowledge the benefits of generative AI in their work, a third of them expressed skepticism about AI’s capabilities to autonomously manage basic legal tasks in the near future.

Concerns in Deal Negotiations

The investigation into how political pressures shape legal practices revealed that about a third of M&A lawyers noted that tariffs were causing delays in deal negotiations, with some transactions even leading to abandonment. In the international trade sector, half of the attorneys involved confirmed that they are witnessing slower negotiating processes.

Final Thoughts

According to Cesca Antonelli, editor-in-chief of Bloomberg Industry Group, the survey results illustrate the precarious position of the legal profession today as it navigates through AI advancements and a complex web of economic and political challenges. These insights are crucial for law firms aiming to remain competitive, mitigate risks, and retain top-tier talent in this rapidly changing market.

For more information, interested parties can visit Bloomberg Law's website to access the comprehensive report and explore additional insights.

About Bloomberg Law

Bloomberg Law is at the forefront of integrating the latest in legal technology with essential workflow tools and a plethora of trusted resources. With over a decade of experience in applying AI and machine learning, Bloomberg Law continues to innovate and enhance productivity and efficiency for legal professionals. To learn more, visit Bloomberg Law’s official site.