It’s easy to dismiss new technology as impractical for an industry as established as law. But we’re well past the speculation phase. AI isn’t a theoretical disruptor — it’s already here, reshaping legal work in real-time.

The legal industry has witnessed a staggering increase in AI adoption, from a mere 19% in 2023 to an impressive 79% in 2024. In the UK alone, 41% of legal professionals now use AI for work, up from just 11% in July 2023. The dramatic surge in AI adoption is not just the latest “hype cycle”, it marks the beginning of a fundamental shift in how legal work is done. 

The traditional image of a lawyer pouring over dusty tomes and case files is fading. AI-powered tools are becoming integral to legal practice. But what we’ve seen so far with generative AI is just the beginning. The fundamental transformation will come with agentic AI.

Agentic and reasoning: the next frontier of AI

Agentic AI, the next frontier beyond generative AI, is poised to revolutionize legal work. Unlike its predecessor, agentic AI uses advanced AI systems capable of independently performing complex research or document drafting tasks. These AI systems can accomplish tasks with minimal human oversight and even check their own work before human review. 

Large law firms are already experimenting with agentic AI, with experts predicting that AI systems could soon be members of legal teams. This gradual integration is expected to continue, emphasizing training and preparation.

Advanced legal reasoning, powered by AI

One of the most promising applications of agentic AI in the legal field is advanced legal reasoning (ALR), which goes beyond simple document analysis or basic research tasks. 

ALR allows lawyers to upload tens of thousands of documents and conduct deep analyses to uncover insights into the strengths, weaknesses, and potential strategies buried in the complexities of the facts and issues — all within minutes. Leveraging the most advanced AI systems, ALR streamlines complex workflows, enabling lawyers to make informed decisions faster than ever. 

It can interpret complex legal scenarios, apply relevant case law and statutes, and even suggest strategic approaches to legal problems. Lawyers can ask ALR systems questions like, “What is the weakest part of our claim concerning liability?” By analyzing key documents and referencing leading legal authorities, the ALR platform would provide a detailed, actionable response. 

For example, when asked about a spouse's income for child support calculations, ALR first employs an agent to search for the legal standard, then uses another agent to apply that understanding to case documents and extract the necessary information. 

The impact of advanced legal reasoning tools is already evident. A staggering 71% of lawyers cite faster delivery as a key benefit of AI, while 54% report improved client service. Unsurprisingly, 78% of large law firms and 74% of corporate in-house teams have implemented AI changes. 

Considerations for law firms adopting agentic AI

As agentic AI becomes more integrated into legal practice, firms must navigate ethical considerations and data privacy concerns. About two-thirds (70%) of firms prioritize data privacy policies when vetting technology vendors and litigation support providers. This focus on data protection is crucial, as 76% of legal professionals express concern about inaccurate or fabricated information from public AI platforms. To address these privacy and security concerns, a growing pool of legaltech companies is helping law firms adopt self-hosted AI solutions built to run within a firm’s private cloud ecosystem. 

The future of agentic AI in law

Looking ahead, the future of law is undeniably intertwined with AI – from established firms to schools teaching the next generation of lawyers. 

Two-thirds (75%) of organization leaders expect to change talent strategies within two years due to AI advancement. Law schools are already integrating generative AI training for new junior lawyers, preparing the next generation for an AI-powered workforce.

But let’s be clear: AI is not here to replace lawyers. It’s here to make them better. Those who embrace it — who approach it with curiosity and a willingness to adapt — will gain the most. The legal industry isn’t losing its expertise. It’s gaining new tools to apply that expertise more effectively.

If you take this shift seriously, AI won’t just change how you practice law — it will give you an edge.