Inside PwC’s 2025 Law Firm Survey: How Technology and Client Pressure Are Reshaping UK Legal Practice

UK law firms are investing heavily in AI and technology while grappling with pricing pressures and efficiency demands, according to PwC's 2025 survey. Over half of Top 50 firms now report productivity gains from AI tools, with firms predicting technology could save 16% of chargeable hours. However, client expectations for cost reductions threaten traditional billing models, forcing firms to rethink pricing strategies and accelerate digital transformation.

AI Adoption Accelerates Across Top Firms

Over half of Top 50 law firms are now realizing productivity or financial benefits from AI tools, with 50% of Top 10 firms, 56% of Top 11–25 firms, and 56% of Top 26–50 firms reporting either productivity gains or monetized benefits from AI adoption. In contrast, no firm in the Top 51–100 segment has yet monetized AI benefits, though 19% report productivity improvements.

Firms now predict AI could save an average of 16% of chargeable hours across the Top 100, up from 11% last year. This growing confidence comes as firms move beyond training programs into full implementation. Some larger firms are even beginning to commercialize their AI applications.