It's time for legal AI strategies to catch up with legal AI adoption

AI adoption in the legal sector has rapidly transformed workflows and business models, as evidenced by a 2025 survey conducted by DeepL, revealing that 96% of legal professionals in the U.S. now utilize AI, with 77% having increased their AI spending. This swift integration, however, has led to unauthorized use of AI tools by 71% of professionals, highlighting a lack of formal approval processes and raising concerns about security, compliance, and the quality of legal advice. To address these challenges, legal organizations must develop robust AI strategies that balance innovation with compliance, using approved platforms that meet security and accuracy standards. DeepL emphasizes the importance of selecting AI partners who are committed to both product development and compliance, offering tools like customized multilingual AI solutions that align with legal requirements. By focusing on strategic AI adoption, legal teams can enhance their expertise, ensure compliance, and achieve tangible returns on investment, thereby transforming their operations and client interactions while mitigating risks associated with shadow AI usage.