Extract from Everlaw’s article, “2026 Legal AI Adoption & Impact Report.”
The latest report from Everlaw, ACEDS, and ILTA offers an exclusive look at how over 250 legal leaders are responding to a rapidly changing industry. Discover how partners, general counsel, and litigation support professionals are navigating today’s legal landscape—and embracing the opportunities presented by generative AI.
Key Findings from the 2026 Legal AI Adoption & Impact Report
Generative AI Adoption Far Outpaces That of the Cloud
Legal professionals are adopting generative AI at a much faster rate than cloud-based ediscovery software. In just four years since the release of ChatGPT, generative AI has reached roughly the same level of adoption as cloud-based ediscovery software in a fraction of the time. This acceleration signals that modern legal teams are no longer late adopters of transformative technology, but instead are actively seeking it out.
Legal Organizations Are Still Defining Their AI Transparency Approach
The wider proliferation of AI has opened the conversation of whether organizations are disclosing its use to their clients. The industry seems split on this, with 31% saying they do disclose generative AI use for all substantive legal work (e.g., drafting, research, and analysis), and 26% saying they don’t disclose because they treat AI as an internal utility.
