According to ILTA’s 2025 Technology Survey, 80% of law firms are either “using or exploring” artificial intelligence. That number is striking—but it deserves some context.
“Exploring” is really the first stage of any AI journey, and it can mean everything from attending a webinar… to running a small pilot… to simply keeping an eye on the market. Still, the takeaway is meaningful: nearly every firm surveyed has at least begun engaging with AI in some way.
At Optimal, we’ve supported law firms for more than three decades, and we’ve watched emerging technologies reshape workflows, client expectations, and competitive pressures. AI is following the same pattern—but with significantly more speed.
Here’s what’s happening inside firms, and where the real opportunities lie.
What Firms Have Learned So Far
Across firms, early experimentation has shown that AI tools are especially strong when it comes to summarizing documents, conversations, and transcripts. These use cases save attorneys meaningful time without exposing the firm to undue risk.
Legal research, on the other hand, remains a more challenging application. While tools are improving, firms continue to approach research-related tasks with caution—and rightly so.
Which AI Tools Are Actually Being Used?
The tools seeing the most traction include:
- Microsoft Copilot
- CoCounsel by Thomson Reuters
- Westlaw AI
Notably, Copilot is receiving particularly positive feedback. But the same is true for document management solutions and even Microsoft Teams—a sign that firms are embracing technologies that streamline collaboration as much as those that introduce advanced automation.
This matters: improved collaboration and improved AI readiness often go hand-in-hand.
Two Big Opportunities for Forward-Thinking Firms
Based on the sentiment in the ILTA report and what we see across our client base, two significant opportunities stand out.
1. Move Beyond “Exploring” With a Methodical Approach
If most firms are still testing the waters, then firms willing to take a structured, strategic approach can leap ahead.
Our AI Foundations service was designed to help firms do exactly that:
- Evaluate readiness
- Create an AI use policy
- Train an internal taskforce
- Run pilot programs
- Roll out tools safely and effectively
- Identify high-value use cases worth scaling
This kind of methodical implementation will differentiate firms as AI capabilities mature.
2. Build Buy-In Through Standard Collaboration Tools
AI adoption becomes dramatically easier when attorneys and staff already feel confident in the tools they use daily.
If your document management system, Teams environment, or basic workflow tools aren’t fully optimized, AI will feel like a leap. But when collaboration is smooth and intuitive, AI feels like a natural extension of existing work—not a disruption.
Investing in these “standard” collaboration systems is often one of the most effective ways to build momentum and support for AI initiatives.
Best of Luck on Your Journey—And Let Us Know If You Want a Guide
Whether you’re ready to move past exploration or simply need stronger foundational tools in place first, we’d be happy to help. Our CIO Consulting team supports firms through strategic assessments, AI readiness engagements, and implementation planning to ensure your investments align with your risk tolerance, workflows, and long-term goals.