Generative AI’s Growing Strategic Value for Corporate Law Departments

A new report by Everlaw and the Association of Corporate Counsel reveals that GenAI adoption is dramatically accelerating among corporate law departments, with implications for how legal work is outsourced and valued. See where 657 global legal professionals see the greatest risks and opportunities.

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Key Findings from Everlaw and the ACC

Are you currently using, or planning to use, generative AI in your legal work?

Generative AI adoption surges

As the technology improves and organizations become more familiar with its benefits, outright prohibitions on AI use are plummeting, paving the way for wider implementation. This year’s survey shows adoption of GenAI for legal work more than doubled to 52 percent among U.S. respondents over last year, while those just passively planning for use halved to 14 percent.

What type of legal work do you see the greatest opportunity to handle in-house with GenAI?

Generative AI fuels opportunities to bring work in-house

Legal teams are already using GenAI to realize efficiencies in core tasks like drafting and contract management. But a more significant shift is underway. Professionals now see an opportunity to handle more strategic work — such as litigation and M&A — internally rather than outsourcing it to regain control over data-intensive processes and control costs.

Are any of your law firms currently using GenAI on legal matters for your organization?

In-house legal tackle outside counsel transparency gap

A majority of in-house professionals lack visibility into how their law firms are using GenAI and report no tangible cost savings so far. But this transparency gap can spur a new kind of partnership.

By effectively communicating how GenAI adoption translates into efficiencies and savings for clients, outside counsel can build relationships based on shared value and stand out from the competition.

How likely is your team to push for a change in how legal services are delivered and priced?

Client demand is poised to disrupt the billable hour

The billable hour’s reign is far from over, but its future is on a collision course with client expectations. A majority of in-house professionals are ready to push for new pricing models, with nearly half believing their own demand will be the primary driver of change.

Law firms that are proactive about how GenAI-powered efficiencies translate into transparent, value-based billing will gain the competitive edge.