AI Adoption Trends by Law Firm Size: Solo, Small, And Mid-Sized

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal industry is undeniable. And when we examine the data, we see distinct patterns in how firms of different sizes are embracing AI—revealing both unique challenges and opportunities.

Each year, Clio’s Legal Trends Report analyzes data from tens of thousands of U.S. legal professionals and thousands of survey respondents. By comparing AI adoption data across solo, small, and mid-sized firms, we gain a clearer view of how firms are navigating change, and what your firm can learn from others like it.

Who’s leading in law firm AI adoption?

Surprisingly, mid-sized firms—long seen as slow adopters—are now leading the way in AI implementation. They’ve surpassed solo and small firms in both the breadth and depth of AI use.

While solo and small firms often report using AI minimally, they are significantly less likely to implement it broadly. Many haven’t adopted AI at all.

Why the shift? It likely comes down to resources. Mid-sized firms typically have bigger budgets, dedicated IT teams, and more capacity to evaluate and implement tools across their operations. In contrast, solo and small firms may find it harder to adopt AI due to budget or time constraints.

Still, the outlook is positive. Over 80% of legal professionals across all firm sizes expect AI use to grow in the coming year. This suggests that while smaller firms may lag in adoption today, many plan to implement AI soon.

Want a head start? Tools like Clio Duo—built right into Clio’s platform—offer simple, integrated AI benefits without the steep learning curve.

What AI tools are firms using?

The types of AI tools being adopted vary widely by firm size.

Solo and small firms are more likely to use general-purpose tools (like ChatGPT) and legal research platforms. These AI tools tend to be lower cost, easy to access, and deliver quick wins—especially for firms looking to streamline research and admin work.

Mid-sized firms, meanwhile, are using AI more comprehensively. From document review to client intake and communication tools, they’re integrating AI across departments and practice areas. Many view AI as a growth tool, not just a time-saver.

What benefits does AI offer?

Across the board, legal professionals cite time savings and increased efficiency as top AI benefits. But how these benefits are prioritized differs.

• Solo and small firms often highlight efficiency and time savings—logical given their limited staff and heavier administrative burdens.
  
  
• Mid-sized firms are more likely to focus on improved work quality, collaboration, and caseload management.

These differences reflect the unique needs of each firm type. Smaller firms need AI to lighten their load. Mid-sized firms want tools that optimize team performance and client service at scale.

What does this mean for your firm?

It’s clear that there is no “one size fits all” approach to AI adoption in law firms. And, while it’s clear that all firms recognize the value of AI, their motivations, resources, and use cases differ in meaningful ways.

So, what should your firm take away from this data?

If you’re a solo or small law firm

• Start small: Use affordable, general-purpose AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) or those built into existing platforms (e.g., Clio Duo) to save time with minimal setup.
• Prioritize efficiency: Focus on tools that automate admin work—like drafting, scheduling, or intake—to free up your time without major changes to operations.
• Plan ahead: Even if you’re not adopting now, stay informed and build a roadmap. Early planning can offer a future advantage.

If you’re a mid-sized law firm

• Enhance collaboration: With more resources and infrastructure, explore AI tools that support team workflows like document review, task management, and client communication.
• Use AI for growth: Go beyond automation. Leverage AI to scale operations, improve service quality, and support new service models.
• Build AI expertise: Establish internal processes for evaluating and training on AI tools to stay competitive and innovative.

Final thoughts

As AI continues to reshape the legal landscape, understanding how adoption varies by firm size is key for making smart, strategic decisions. Whether you’re navigating resource limitations as a solo or small firm, or exploring how to scale operations in a mid-sized firm, refer to the data and suggestions mentioned above on how you can leverage AI in ways that align with your firm’s unique needs.

Curious about what’s next? Download the latest Legal Trends Report and uncover the key trends driving change in the legal industry.