AI in Law: adapt or get left behind

AI in Law: CLIO report: comments from Computer Services Group Ltd (CSG). We are the longest IT company in Wales, meaning we have witnessed firsthand how technology has shaped the legal industry and how it continues to provide opportunities for barristers’ chambers to take advantage of.

The latest Clio Legal Trends Report confirms what many forward-thinking chambers already suspect: AI isn’t just a tool – it’s a brought forward a fundamental reimagining of law firm operations and the very nature of legal work itself.

In just one year, AI adoption among legal professionals has skyrocketed from 19% in 2023 to 79% in 2024 and in 2025, 80% of legal professionals now rate themselves as knowledgeable about AI, reflecting a growing confidence and use in the technology.

This isn’t just a trend, it’s changing the way that law firms operate forever. Chambers that once relied on traditional workflows are now embracing AI to stregthen teamwork, reduce costs and deliver faster, more accurate legal services.

74% of respondents expect to use AI-driven tools in their jobs within the next 12 months, highlighting AI’s critical role in the future of legal work.

The looming disruption threatens to upend traditional law firm business models built on the billable hour. As AI slashes the time required for routine legal work, firms clinging to hourly billing may see their revenues plummet.

Forward-thinking law firms are already pivoting towards more flexible billing options like flat fees to capture the value of their services in an AI-powered world. Clients are increasingly supportive of this shift, with 70 percent either preferring or neutral towards firms leveraging AI.

The message is clear: adapt or risk being left behind.

What this means for your chambers

As a trusted MSSP to many legal firms, including 30 Park Place and Hutchinson & Thomas Solicitors, RDP Law and more; we help legal chambers navigate this shift by:

  • Identifying high-impact AI use cases (e.g., document review, legal research, client intake)
  • Integrating AI tools like ChatGPT and legal-specific platforms into your existing systems
  • Ensuring compliance and data security in line with legal industry standards
  • Training your team to work effectively alongside AI

The end of the billable hour?

AI is automating up to 74% of hourly billable tasks – especially those involving data analysis and information gathering. This threatens the traditional billable hour model and chambers that cling to it may see revenue decline as AI slashes the time needed for routine work.

We help you pivot to value-based billing models like flat fees, supported by AI-driven efficiency and transparency.

Marketing, growth & client expectations

The report highlights a critical gap where law firms are underperforming in marketing and client enagement. AI is freeing up more time for chambers to have a focus upon:

  • Digital marketing strategies
  • Client relationship management (CRM) tools
  • Online intake and communication platforms

“Copilot is continuing to improve the way our legal customers work – allowing for quicker research, drafting and document review. On average, teams are saving up to 40% of their time on routine legal tasks, allowing them to focus more on strategic, high-value work.”
Matthew Bater, managing director at CSG.

Workplace transformation

AI’s impact varies by role, 81% of legal secretaries’ tasks could be automated, compared to 57% for lawyers. This signals a shift in workforce dynamics. We support chambers in:

  • Reskilling staff for higher-value roles
  • Redesigning workflows to maximize human-AI collaboration
  • Implementing change management strategies

Why some chambers still hold back

21% of firms have yet to adopt AI, often due to uncertainty or concerns about reliability. As your MSP, we simplfy how to use AI securely and effectively and provide:

  • Proof-of-concept pilots
  • Vendor-neutral evaluations
  • Ongoing support and optimisation

CSG can support you in all of these areas and more, learn more today.

Key takeaways for legal chambers

  • AI is here to stay and it’s changing how legal services are delivered.
  • Flat fee billing is gaining traction, supported by AI-driven efficiency.
  • Client expectations are evolving: 70% are open to or prefer AI-assisted legal services.
  • Marketing and tech investment are now critical to growth.
  • The human element remains essential: AI should empower, not replace.

Your next steps

To ensure your chambers are fully equipped for the future of legal practice, we invite you to schedule an initial consultation with our team. This no-obligation chat will allow us to review your current IT infrastructure, understand your barristers chambers’ operational needs and explore how we can adapt our support to help you adopt what AI tools you need to use, so that you don’t waste any time or money.

Explore our resources to see how we’ve supported businesses across the UK with disaster recovery.

Speak to an IT Specialist

To find out more or to talk to one of our experts, contact us today.