Lawyers are choosing firms that invest in legal technology

While the legal industry debates generative AI, one thing is already clear: a lack of investment could cost you your best people. One in five lawyers at large firms say they’d consider leaving if their employer doesn’t embrace AI powered legal tools.

Law firms aren’t just competing on client service anymore, they’re competing on strategic decisions, particularly the adoption of new technology. For a growing number of lawyers, especially the newer generation of legal professionals, a firm’s investment in technology is a signal of whether that firm is serious about the future. Those who ignore or hesitate risk sending the message that their organisation is not the place to build a lasting, competitive career.

Innovation is no longer about digital transformation for the sake of keeping clients happy. The people who define your firm’s future are also demanding to be considered. Ignore them and you won’t just fall behind, you’ll be left behind.

Silent signals – what lawyers are telling you about AI

According to our latest report, 11% of lawyers said they would consider leaving if their firm failed to invest in legal AI solutions. At first glance, this might seem like a small percentage, but in the competitive world of legal talent, it’s an early warning sign to recruiters and firms.

Technology shapes a lawyer’s career capital, whether that’s conducting sharper research or drafting documents using tools like Lexis+ AI. Legal AI automation tools influence how lawyers learn, deliver value, and position themselves in a fast paced industry.

A lack of AI adoption may never come up in an exit interview, but the signs were already there. Built up frustration from dealing with outdated systems, sluggish workflows, and the nagging sense that time is being wasted while competitors are growing smarter. Lexis Create+ brings structure to the chaos, with powerful DMS integration that can help legal teams with efficient document management, freeing up time for higher value work.

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The technology gap and the cost of ignoring it

While many organisations are recognising the growing importance of AI, there is a noticeable divide between newer and more traditional sectors. Lawyers in larger firms and in-house roles are likely to understand that success today requires access to the right tools, which enable them to remain competitive and deliver innovative client services. With 51% of public sector lawyers and 38% of academics expressing hesitation it’s clear that AI adoption requires strategic integration. Firms that resist AI adoption also risk creating a culture gap, one where younger lawyers feel disconnected or unsupported in their professional development. Newer generations of lawyers have grown up with technology and now expect it to be seamlessly integrated into their work. In fact, 25% of private practice lawyers say that failing to invest in AI will negatively impact their careers.

Rejection or indifference to legal tech is a luxury that law firms can no longer afford. There’s a growing call to create an environment that allows both talent and technology to flourish. Those who cling too tightly to familiarity may find it harder to retain the talent they depend on and risk missing out on potential talent.

Careers in a post-AI legal market

Despite the acceptance of AI by many, some legal leaders still see technology as a back-office concern. While operational departments manage systems, it’s leadership that shapes culture. In today’s market, culture is defined by whether your people feel empowered and professionally challenged. Lawyers want to work for firms that align with their own aspirations.

In the current legal landscape, career capital isn’t measured solely in titles or hours billed. A lawyer's competitive edge increasingly comes from how they're working. Legal professionals care about the skills they’re developing, the technologies they’re exposed to, and whether their firms are equipping them for the future. Are they being trained for yesterday’s market or tomorrow’s?

Legal AI tools like Lexis+ AI are designed to match the complexity of modern practice by delivering faster and sharper insights.

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Attracting legal talent is no longer just about offering the highest salary. Lawyers are looking for firms that are strategically adopting AI to help support their talent to work smarter and faster. Law firms that embrace change demonstrate to their people and the market, a clear vision for the future and the confidence to lead it. Going forward, investing in technology shouldn’t be seen as separate from investing in talent, they’re one and the same.

Technology is an investment in legal talent

In today’s competitive legal market, technology investment is a clear signal of your commitment to current and future employees. Firms that hesitate risk losing their top professionals to those already embracing the future. Technology decisions are talent decisions, don’t let inaction hold you back.

Explore Create+ and Lexis+ AI today.