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15 April 2026
Issue: 8157 / Categories: Legal News , Legal services , Artificial intelligence , Technology
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Small firms 'most agile' in AI adoption

Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among legal professionals is almost universal, according to global legal AI company Clio’s inaugural UK & Ireland legal insights report 2026

The report, published last week, found the issue for lawyers is not whether to adopt legal AI but how best to integrate it. Competitive advantage was now about workflow design, while fixed-fee billing has become the dominant pricing model.

Sarah Murphy, general manager, international at Clio, said: ‘For solo, small, and mid-sized firms across the UK and Ireland, the opportunity is significant. These firms are often the most agile when it comes to reshaping workflows.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

Gateley Legal expands Midlands residential development team

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

NEWS
A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
Employers cannot rely on wellbeing services alone to defend workplace stress claims after a High Court decision awarding almost £1m to an overworked employee
Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
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