What did PwC's 2026 Law Firm Survey find about AI?
PwC's 35th Law Firm Survey, published on 15 October 2026, found that 66% of the UK top 100 law firms have implemented AI, up from 43% last year. Only 8% report monetised benefits. PwC also found that 70% report well-established AI policies and controls, while only 23% have well-established training.
The survey covers the UK top 100 law firms. It is a survey, not guidance or regulation, so nothing in it binds a firm.
Where does PwC see the gaps?
PwC's press release says capability gaps may be constraining progress. While 70% of top 100 firms report well-established AI policies and controls, only 23% have well-established training. Just 8% have realised chargeable-hour savings greater than 10%.
Firms estimate that around 18% of chargeable hours could ultimately be saved through AI, up from 16% last year. For how firms are approaching fees for this work, see the Law Society's view on charging for AI-assisted work.
How are firms planning to use AI?
More than half (52%) of top 100 firms plan to use AI to reshape service delivery or turn services into products, compared with 42% focused on efficiency. PwC says more than 75% of top 50 firms have invested in specialist legal AI assistants.
For a way to place a firm's own AI use, see the law firm AI readiness maturity model.
What are firms worried about?
Concern about clients automating work and relying less on external counsel rose from 53% to 68%. Concern about the pace of technological change rose from 73% to 84%, and concern about pressure on rates rose from 66% to 73%.
Lucy Robson, the survey lead at PwC UK, said "AI adoption has accelerated significantly, but implementation is only the starting point."
Margo Legal is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What did PwC's 2026 Law Firm Survey find about AI?
PwC's 35th Law Firm Survey, published on 15 October 2026, found that 66% of the UK top 100 law firms have implemented AI, up from 43% last year. Only 8% report monetised benefits. PwC also found that 70% report well-established AI policies and controls, while only 23% have well-established training.
Where does PwC see the gaps?
PwC's press release says capability gaps may be constraining progress. While 70% of top 100 firms report well-established AI policies and controls, only 23% have well-established training. Just 8% have realised chargeable-hour savings greater than 10%.
How are firms planning to use AI?
More than half (52%) of top 100 firms plan to use AI to reshape service delivery or turn services into products, compared with 42% focused on efficiency. PwC says more than 75% of top 50 firms have invested in specialist legal AI assistants.
What are firms worried about?
Concern about clients automating work and relying less on external counsel rose from 53% to 68%. Concern about the pace of technological change rose from 73% to 84%, and concern about pressure on rates rose from 66% to 73%.
Sources
- PwC UK, "Top law firms widen lead as profit gap across legal sector expands, PwC survey finds", press release, 15 October 2026: https://www.pwc.co.uk/press-room/press-releases/research-commentary/2025/top-law-firms-widen-lead-as-profit-gap-across-legal-sector-expan0.html
- PwC UK, Law Firm Survey 2026, "Raising the bar for growth": https://www.pwc.co.uk/industries/legal-professional-business-support-services/law-firms-survey.html