Biglaw firms admit they are struggling to keep pace with rapid AI changes, legal tech consultant says

Large law firms are scrambling to keep up with AI, and some are now admitting it publicly. "Nobody wants to say we don't know what we're doing," one legal tech consultant told Bloomberg Law.

Categorized in: AI News Legal
Published on: May 23, 2026
Biglaw firms admit they are struggling to keep pace with rapid AI changes, legal tech consultant says

Big Law Admits It's Playing Catch-Up on AI

Large law firms are scrambling to keep pace with artificial intelligence tools entering the legal profession, and some executives are finally willing to say so publicly.

Ryan McClead, chief executive of legal tech consultancy Sente Advisors, told Bloomberg Law that firms lack clarity about where AI adoption is heading. "Nobody wants to say we don't know what we're doing," McClead said. "But the reality is, if we're honest about it, they don't know what's going to happen and they're desperate to keep up with what's happening."

The admission marks a shift in how firms discuss their AI strategies. Previously, many presented themselves as ahead of the curve. Now, McClead said, there's "beginning to be some appreciation for doing things first or being ahead of the market," and firms are willing to acknowledge the competition openly.

For legal professionals navigating this transition, understanding where AI tools fit into daily work has become essential. Resources like AI for Legal and an AI Learning Path for Paralegals can help attorneys and support staff build practical skills with these emerging technologies.


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