Top 20 law firms put AI on center stage; CILEX launches academy to close the gap

AI: All of the top 20 law firms have held AI events - here's what that means for you

The largest firms aren't waiting. They're building, buying, training, and talking about AI - and clients are noticing.

Key findings at a glance

• 100% of the top 20 firms have published an AI report or hosted an AI-related event; all but one publicly promote their AI use.
• 75% have implemented a third-party AI tool and set up an internal team focused on digital transformation with AI/ML.
• 45% have built a proprietary AI tool or customised an existing tool via a joint venture.
• 55% offer AI skills training for staff; six firms have made VC-style investments in AI or launched an AI incubator.
• 65% have created a division for AI legal advice or appointed a head of AI legal advice.
• 35% have published an AI ethics framework or client-facing code of conduct.

Compare that to the next 20 firms: 60% promote AI use, 50% have adopted a third-party tool, 15% offer a dedicated AI advisory function, and 10% have an AI ethics framework.

Source: research by Thomson Reuters.

Why this matters for legal leaders

• Client demand: Corporate counsel expect informed guidance on AI risk, governance, and deployment - not just tech experiments.
• Margin pressure: Productivity lifts from AI will set new pricing and turnaround benchmarks.
• Talent and retention: Lawyers want tools and training that make their work faster and more interesting.
• Risk and reputation: Clear policies, audits, and ethics frameworks are now part of panel expectations.

What the front-runners are signaling

Public events and reports aren't just PR. They show clients the firm has a point of view, a plan, and the capability to execute.

Building or customising tools suggests deeper workflows, data pipelines, and change management. Dedicated advisory units show the firm is ready to advise on AI regulation, governance, contracts, and disputes.

Practical steps to catch up

• Appoint clear ownership: Name a head of AI (practice + operations). Define a roadmap for matter types, KM, and client services.
• Quick wins with controls: Start with vetted third-party tools for research, drafting, and review. Add usage policies, logging, and red-teaming.
• Training with guardrails: Roll out short, role-based modules on prompt craft, data security, confidentiality, and professional responsibility.
• Client-facing readiness: Publish a concise AI use policy and an ethics framework. Offer AI risk assessments and policy templates to clients.
• Build vs. buy criteria: Buy for horizontal tasks (search, drafting). Build or co-build where your data and process create defensible advantage.

What legal leaders are saying

"A large majority of law firms now promote their distinction in the use of AI, just as they promote their expertise in specific service lines and industry sectors… Top law firms recognise that it's not just a question of adopting this technology but also ensuring training programmes are in place to use it effectively and responsibly." - Raghu Ramanathan, president of legal professionals at Thomson Reuters

Upskilling at scale

CILEX has launched the CILEX AI Academy with short, personalised sessions on generative AI tools, prompt engineering, ethics, data security, and professional responsibility. The goal: keep training current as the tools and risks shift.

If you need structured training now

• Browse role-based AI learning paths and certifications: AI courses by job role

The bottom line

The top 20 have moved beyond experimentation. They're setting standards in tool adoption, governance, and client advisory.

If you lead a legal team, the mandate is clear: formalise ownership, train your people, publish your policy, and ship your first client-facing AI offering. Then iterate fast with tight controls and measurable outcomes.