2025 stands out as a year with several innovations across different sectors that have changed how things are done. The legal industry is not left out in the many trends and innovations that have come up this year. Regardless of whatever role you play in the legal space, there are certain trends you must be aware of.
While there are several trends that one must know in the legal industry, some have stood out from others. This article examines major legal trends to stay on top of in 2025 to make the most of your legal experience.
The Massive Use of Generative AI: More Speed and Accuracy In Legal Research
Many years ago, when AI became mainstream, there were several talks around its authenticity, with more questions than answers. While it has continued to get in-depth and accurate over the years, there are still law firms that frown heavily at it. They do not believe in the authenticity of AI usage, especially in areas of research. Still, Franchise Attorney Jason W. Power of Franchise.Law can shed more light on the matter.
However, with the growth of artificial intelligence and how Generative AI is redefining legal practices, it is becoming a trend not to ignore. Firms that deliberately ignore artificial intelligence may fall behind in the future. While Generative AI is not expected to completely replace the work lawyers do, it can greatly help ensure legal tasks are conducted faster and with more accuracy.
The Unprecedented Growth of Cybersecurity and Cyber Law: New Areas of Law Beginning to Receive More Attention
The world has become a more interconnected space, with several activities happening across the Internet. However, with this continuous interconnection and wide internet consumption, cybersecurity is becoming a major issue. As countries continue to put in place legal systems to fight physical insecurity, the rise of cybersecurity threats is becoming a thing.
The need to ensure a more secure cyberspace is resulting in many jurisdictions reviewing and tightening their cybersecurity laws. Firms that have specialized in other areas of the law for years are beginning to prioritize cyber laws and practices. As technology continues to advance, cybersecurity and cyber law governance are now becoming legal trends no one wants to miss out on.
The Rise of a Robust Mentorship System: The Need to Preserve Learning Culture Among Firms
Another legal trend worth keeping an eye on in 2025 is the need for law firms to design a robust mentorship system that caters to emerging legal areas. Law as a study offers a comprehensive learning system that one must go through before being qualified to practice law in a particular jurisdiction. However, with recent trends emerging that have not been included in academic curricula, an alternative is expected.
Despite the increasing adoption of AI in gaining knowledge of new areas or strengthening practice, there is a need to develop a robust mentorship system. The goal of this will be to help new associates grow in knowledge and practice of the law across different areas.
The Increase in the Adoption of Client-Facing Practices: A New Client Education System
Another legal trend that has emerged recently is the development of client-facing practice teams. This innovative step generally involves including certain novel areas in client service areas, and a good example of such novel areas is Generative AI.
Many firms are not only adopting the use of Generative AI as outlined above, but they are also offering to teach their clients basic legal AI usage. What this means is that firms are legally considering, and others have begun to adopt, a system where they teach clients certain AI strategies adopted for specific legal cases.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, several legal trends have emerged this year that have changed the legal industry. While it may seem surprising, it is clear that the end of these trends is not near, and more trends are still expected to emerge. Firms, lawyers, and clients have to stay on top of this trend to ensure they provide the best legal service, leveraging the different aspects of these trends.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
