Legal Professionals Are Quickly Adopting Generative AI
More than a third of legal teams are already using generative AI (GenAI) to get work done, according to a new study. Adoption is happening five times faster than cloud technology did, a striking signal that legal work is shifting in real time. The report, produced by Everlaw and ACEDS, surveyed practitioners across the industry to track how technology is being used in litigation and investigations—and where it’s headed next.
Why GenAI Use Is Accelerating
A year and a half after the introduction of ChatGPT, 33.7% of respondents say they’re using GenAI in legal practice. Of that group, 17% are applying it to live matters right now, and another 16% are running beta tests. The speed alone stands out. It took nearly a decade for cloud-based e-discovery software to reach similar levels of use. For context, in 2021 only 37% had moved to the cloud, which underlines just how quickly GenAI has gained acceptance.
What the Data Says About Adoption
“Our findings reveal an eager demographic ready to adopt GenAI like no other technology before,” said Chuck Kellner, strategic discovery advisor at Everlaw. Legal teams have often met new tools with caution. GenAI, however, is meeting a moment of curiosity and urgency, and many attorneys are choosing to test, learn, and iterate rather than wait on the sidelines.
Enthusiasm Meets Operational Caution
Excitement doesn’t erase the hard parts. About 68% of the professionals surveyed believe the legal sector isn’t yet prepared for the implications of GenAI. That’s a slight improvement from earlier years, when 72% felt the same way, but it still points to gaps to close. Most respondents also see the path forward: 81% want more training, and 76% say broader education is necessary to use GenAI effectively and responsibly in daily practice.
Where Lawyers Feel Most Comfortable Using GenAI
Two tasks stand out: document review and translation. These uses draw the highest comfort levels and adoption rates, suggesting a mix of trust, measurable value, and well-defined guardrails. Other applications may follow, but many teams want stronger reliability—and clearer workflows—before expanding GenAI into less common tasks.
The Growing Tech Gap Inside Legal Teams
The survey also points to a widening divide. Teams working in cloud-deployed e-discovery software are six times more likely to use GenAI than those still on on-premises tools. They’re also five times more enthusiastic about GenAI’s growth across the legal field, and four times more optimistic that GenAI will become standard in e-discovery within the next couple of years. The through line is clear: investment in policy, training, and modern infrastructure doesn’t just support compliance—it shapes who leads and who lags.
How Teams Are Bringing GenAI Online
For teams that haven’t yet jumped in—or want to expand with less risk—the report surfaces three practical moves:
- Establish a GenAI policy: Nearly 75% of legal professionals say their organizations have already set clear guidelines for how GenAI can be used.
- Engage employees early: More than 70% involve their teams from the start to win buy-in, surface concerns, and build shared understanding.
- Provide training: While 63% are receiving training on using GenAI, only 27% believe they’re being taught skills that can’t be automated by GenAI—an important distinction for long-term capability building.
What Experts See Coming Next
Strategy and education will matter as much as the tools themselves. Chuck Kellner underscored the point: “Those who invest in GenAI will be better positioned to thrive in the future.” That investment isn’t just software—it’s policy, practice design, and training that puts the tool to work where it can help most.
Michael Quartararo, president of ACEDS, pointed to the scope of the shift: “This year’s report zeroes in on the sweeping changes brought about by generative AI, and we at ACEDS commit to aiding the legal community through these transitions.” As the technology evolves, the industry is poised to tap more of GenAI’s potential and, in doing so, reshape how legal work gets done.
About ACEDS
The Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists (ACEDS) brings together professionals focused on e-discovery, information governance, compliance, and data privacy. Through training and networking, ACEDS helps practitioners build the skills and connections they need to meet today’s legal challenges.
About Everlaw
Everlaw helps legal teams manage the complexity of e-discovery with speed and clarity. The company’s technology, paired with close collaboration with clients, supports high-stakes discovery and litigation work. Founded in Oakland, California, in 2010, Everlaw continues to invest in innovation and is backed by top-tier investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GenAI, and where is it being used in legal work today?
GenAI—generative artificial intelligence—refers to tools that can generate or summarize content based on prompts. In legal settings, it’s most commonly being used for document review and translation, where teams report the highest comfort and adoption.
How fast is GenAI adoption compared to past technologies?
It’s moving much faster. Over 33% of legal teams say they’re already using GenAI—five times the pace seen with cloud technology. By contrast, cloud adoption took nearly a decade to reach similar levels, and in 2021 only 37% had embraced cloud tools.
What’s holding some legal teams back from using GenAI more broadly?
Preparation and skills. About 68% believe the industry isn’t fully ready for GenAI’s implications. Many want more training (81%) and broader education (76%) to use the technology effectively and responsibly.
Which factors most influence whether a team adopts GenAI?
Modern infrastructure and enablement. Teams using cloud-deployed e-discovery software are six times more likely to use GenAI than on-premises teams. Clear policies, early employee engagement, and practical training also correlate with smoother adoption.
What steps can I take to implement GenAI in my organization?
Start with a clear policy (as nearly 75% have), involve your team early (more than 70% do), and provide training that goes beyond how to click buttons. While 63% receive training, only 27% say they’re learning skills that can’t be automated—so focus on capabilities that will hold up as the tools advance.
