85 Predictions for AI and the Law in 2026

From The National Law Review:

As 2026 begins, The National Law Review surveyed 85 legal professionals across legal practice, academia, and the legal technology sector to assess how AI is expected to shape the profession in the year ahead. This year’s survey builds on The National Law Review’s prior annual predictions, including its 2025 edition.

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Respondents were asked to look ahead and share their predictions for 2026, as well as what they believe will be the most surprising developments in the year to come. The 85 responses, plus the author’s predictions, are presented in full, offering an unfiltered view into how leaders across the legal and legal technology communities expect the AI landscape to evolve.

Oliver Roberts, 85 Predictions for AI and the Law in 2026, The National Law Review, January 5, 2026.

About the Author

Austen Parrish

Austen Parrish is the 2025 President of the Association of American Law Schools and Dean and Chancellor’s Professor of Law at University of California, Irvine School of Law. He also serves as co-editor of the Journal of Legal Education. Before joining UC Irvine, he served as dean of Indiana University Maurer School of Law and Southwestern Law School.