Survey results accompany release of 2026 editions of the Best Lawyers awards
AUGUSTA, Ga., Aug. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Best Lawyers®, the most established network of legal professionals, today announced the release of its 2025 Mid-Year U.S. Legal Market Survey. The results accompany the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and sixth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.
“Recognizing more than 110,000 attorneys is only part of our mission,” said Phillip Greer, CEO of Best Lawyers. “Equally important is understanding their perspective. Our survey reveals how top lawyers are navigating technology and current regulatory volatility, providing insights that will guide the future of the profession.”
The survey, which received 401 responses, was distributed to law firms with more than 100 attorneys recognized in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Half of the respondents have practiced law for 25 years or more, and 80% for at least 10 years. Their seasoned perspectives are noteworthy.
Big Law remains strong—and is growing—in the face of economic uncertainty
While uncertainty has roiled the U.S. economy, consumer spending and the job market in 2025, the legal industry reports being largely unaffected—and in many cases even benefiting from recent policy changes. Key perspectives gained in the survey include:
- Nearly 40% of respondents reported that economic uncertainty and/or federal regulatory changes in 2025 have led to increased demand for their practice. An additional 32% have seen no impact. So, over 70% say current market conditions have not been significantly adverse for business.
- 48% of respondents say their business pipeline is stronger than this time last year. Another 31% say they see no change. Almost 80% see business development as the same or better—a meaningful positive outlook.
- Survey results suggest the impact of tariffs has been a wash, with negative and positive effects evenly balanced and nearly half of respondents reporting no change.
- Still, clients may be using the current uncertain outlook as leverage, with almost a quarter of respondents saying clients are asking for discounts, and a third reporting delayed or canceled engagements. 17% of respondents reported more requests for alternative fee arrangements.
Attorneys are bullish on AI, but worry about its impact on the practice of law
Respondents’ perspectives on legal technology were largely positive, with some caveats:
- 90% of lawyers report a favorable outlook on the use of AI in law. (44% of respondents said their firms are very well prepared to meet client expectations around the use of AI, with another 46% saying they are somewhat prepared.)
- On a personal level, 71% either embrace AI or use it on a case-by-case basis. This is even higher for attorneys who have been practicing 20 years or less, with 81% reporting they use it on a case-by-case basis or embrace it. 63% of attorneys with more than 20 years of experience reported the same.
- While respondents didn’t report fears of AI impacting legal sector jobs (only 4% expressing the concern), over half (53.5%) do feel that technology is eroding the practice of law. On the latter point, there’s again a difference of opinion depending on experience: Only 44% of attorneys who have less than 20 years in law share this concern, versus 61% of attorneys who have practiced more than 20 years.
Announcing the 2026 The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.
The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America recognizes lawyers from 151 practice areas, highlighting the top 5% of U.S. attorneys. This year’s edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America honors over 27,240 up-and-coming attorneys (those with fewer than 10 years in practice) across 79 practice areas, representing the profession’s future.
The “Lawyer of the Year” distinction has been awarded to only 5,068 honorees. This accolade reflects the rigorous peer-review process that underpins the Best Lawyers methodology, ensuring that only the most exceptional legal talent is recognized.
More details on the 2026 editions can be found in 2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States.
Best Lawyers is committed to the legal industry and its professionals, recognizing those who drive innovation and uphold the highest standards. More than awards, Best Lawyers ensures clients can identify and access the best lawyers available and provides legal marketing strategies to advance firms and the industry.
Search The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America results by lawyer name, firm, region and practice area by visiting www.bestlawyers.com.
About Best Lawyers®
Best Lawyers® is the most established global network of legal professionals, providing elite lawyers and law firms with tools to enhance visibility, credibility and client engagement. Built on a rigorous peer-review process, Best Lawyers delivers data-driven legal recognition while offering industry insights and tech-forward marketing solutions. Powering Best Law Firms®, we simplify the law firm selection process, fostering confidence between firms and clients. Learn more at www.bestlawyers.com and www.bestlawfirms.com.
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Nancy Lippincott
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Best Lawyers
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