What's Happening?
The Thomson Reuters Institute's 2026 AI in Professional Services Report highlights the increasing adoption of industry-specific AI tools in legal services, particularly in personal injury litigation. The report indicates that the use of generative AI has
nearly doubled in the past year, with a significant shift from experimentation to measurable impact. Legal teams are increasingly relying on AI to manage large volumes of documents and medical records, which are crucial in personal injury cases. The collaboration between Thomson Reuters and Supio exemplifies this trend, as they integrate AI-powered workflows to enhance case preparation and client communication. This approach allows legal professionals to transform complex medical records into structured, case-ready intelligence, supporting research and drafting with authoritative legal content.
Why It's Important?
The integration of AI in legal services is significant as it addresses the growing demand for efficiency and precision in high-stakes environments. By leveraging AI, legal teams can manage increasing caseloads and tighter timelines without compromising on quality. This technological advancement is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the legal industry, as clients increasingly expect their legal counsel to utilize AI for better outcomes. The use of AI in personal injury litigation, in particular, ensures compliance with privacy regulations like HIPAA and enhances the accuracy of legal work. This shift not only improves operational efficiency but also strengthens client relationships by delivering more reliable and defensible legal outcomes.
What's Next?
As AI becomes more embedded in legal workflows, the focus will shift towards execution and integration into everyday practices. Legal teams will need to align AI usage with firm strategies and clearly communicate its value to clients. The report suggests that while clients expect AI usage, few mandate it, presenting an opportunity for firms to lead the conversation and set expectations. The next phase will involve refining AI applications to enhance strategic and analytical thinking, rather than just speed. Legal professionals will continue to explore early use cases of agentic AI, which is expected to become central to workflows by 2030.
