UK’s biggest law firms accelerate AI adoption and training

Major UK law firms have significantly increased their artificial intelligence capabilities, with new research revealing a dramatic shift towards AI-powered legal services across the profession’s top tier.

Context and Background

Thomson Reuters research published today shows that 78% of the top 40 law firms in the UK now actively advertise their use of AI technology, representing a substantial increase from 60% just one year ago. The most significant transformation is occurring among the largest practices, where 45% of the top 20 firms now employ dedicated heads of AI, compared to 35% previously.

The study reveals that more than three-quarters of the top 20 firms have established their own in-house AI transformation teams, up from 60% last year. However, this investment pattern shows clear stratification, with only 35% of the next tier of firms (ranked 21-40) creating dedicated AI departments. Despite this rapid adoption, the research highlights a concerning gap: only 24% of UK law firms have developed formal AI adoption strategies, whilst 43% are implementing AI without strategic frameworks.

Looking Forward

The competitive landscape is driving client expectations for AI-enhanced services, with organisations increasingly selecting panel law firms based on their AI capabilities. Raghu Ramanathan, president of legal professionals at Thomson Reuters, noted that firms are recognising AI’s potential to enhance both productivity and client service delivery.

Training initiatives have expanded dramatically, with 55% of the top 20 UK law firms now offering AI training for staff, compared to just 20% last year. This commitment to professional development contrasts sharply with smaller firms, where only 10% of practices ranked 21-40 provide similar training programmes.

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