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BRIGHT INSIGHT 2025 

National Legal Sector Benchmark Survey Results


Cushman & Wakefield’s Legal Sector Advisory Group (LSAG) has published its proprietary legal sector 2025 benchmark survey findings—Bright Insight.  

The legal sector continues to outpace office-using industries in both leasing activity and employment growth, fueled by a 13.6% increase in U.S. lawyers since 2020 and a strong demand for premium, flexible office space. Law firms are locking in long-term leases while also rethinking their real estate strategies to align with hybrid work models, shifting associate expectations, and rapid technological change—driving innovation in workplace design and positioning the sector for an agile future. Cushman & Wakefield’s Legal Sector Advisory Group (LSAG) dives into these developments in its 12th annual Bright Insight report. Based on input from law firm leaders around the world, the report explores trends in office space, workplace strategy, talent management, and technology. Backed by Cushman & Wakefield’s extensive experience, the report sheds light on the priorities shaping the legal sector in 2025 and beyond.

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2025 Report Highlights: 
  • REAL ESTATE & OFFICE SPACE TRENDS The legal sector continues to lead office leasing, with firms signing record amounts of long-term, high-quality leases. Firms prioritize spaces that attract talent, foster collaboration, and share knowledge. New leases feature efficient layouts and modern amenities to meet changing workplace needs. 
  • HYBRID WORK & LEGAL SPACE STRATEGY Law firms are emphasizing in-office work, with 56% expecting attorneys on-site at least three days a week. Offices remain vital for collaboration, relationship-building, mentorship, and productivity, with redesigned spaces supporting both focus work and teamwork. 
  • IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) & TECHNOLOGY AI adoption is growing, with 50% of firms using it and a third planning to implement it in the near future. AI is being applied to research, document management, and predictive analytics, boosting efficiency. Technology spending now accounts for 4% of revenue and is expected to rise, signaling the legal sector’s ongoing tech transformation. 
  • SECTOR OUTLOOK: OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES Am Law 200 firms report strong growth and have optimistic expectations for the near future. Larger firms have a focus on expansion through tech and talent acquisition. Flexibility, pay, and mentorship are key to attracting associates.

Law Firms Prioritizing In-Office Work Requirements

The legal industry remains one of the most office-focused sectors, with 56% of firms expecting attorneys to work on-site at least three days a week—far exceeding industries like technology (26%) and finance (39%). This trend has only intensified in 2025. The percentage of firms allowing 1st and 2nd year associates to work remotely three or more days a week has plummeted YOY from 31% to just 13%, while the number of firms expecting a full five-day per week office presence has surged, rising from 5% to 13%.

AI Is a Growing Priority for Many Law Firms, but its Potential Remains Untapped

Over the past two years, technology use in law firms has surged from 17% in 2023 to 50% today, with another third planning to adopt it soon. Firms are also set to increase tech budgets, expecting to allocate 5.5% of revenue in the next two years, up from 4.0% in 2025. While interest in new tools is clear, their application varies, and many firms are still figuring out how to use them effectively.

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Authors

David C Smith (image)
David Smith

Head of Americas Insights, Global Research
Atlanta, United States

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Maggie Tillotson

Sr. Research Analyst
Indianapolis, United States

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Contributors

Samantha-Sannella
Samantha Sannella

Business Lead, Total Workplace Americas
Canada

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Rachel Casanova (image)
Rachel Casanova

Sr. Managing Director, Workplace
New York, United States

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Nicola Gillen
Nicola Gillen

Managing Director, EMEA Advisory & EMEA Lead, Total Workplace
London, United Kingdom

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Marissa Huber Miami (image)
Marissa Huber

Director, Total Workplace
Miami, United States

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Jessica Howe
Jessica Howe

Vice President, Global Practice Groups
Boston, United States

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Related Services

Legal Sector Advisory Group
Cushman & Wakefield’s global Legal Sector Advisory Group (“LSAG”) consists of more than 450 global advisors that specialize in strategizing, creating, and implementing real estate solutions that support the business and people of today’s legal sector.
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