Top Trends in Legal Operations for 2025 

For law firms looking to scale, 2025 presents both opportunities and challenges. Our latest Future of Law Firm Operations Report, based on a survey of 335 small- to mid-sized law firms, reveals key trends shaping the industry. From rising operational costs to the increasing adoption of technology, law firms must rethink their approach to efficiency and growth. 

Here are the top trends law firm leaders need to know as they plan for the future. 

1. Law Firms Seek Growth, But Operational Challenges Persist 

Despite economic uncertainty, law firms are still focused on expansion, with 46% aiming to increase their client base by 20% or more in 2025. However, firms also report significant operational hurdles that could slow down this growth, including: 

• Rising costs of legal operations (top concern among all firms surveyed) 
• Caseload management challenges for attorneys (46% struggle with balancing workload) 
• Cash flow management issues for managing partners (39% cite this as their biggest challenge) 
• Staffing and technology adoption hurdles for legal administrators (40% each) 

Firms that want to scale must first optimize and modernize their internal operations by addressing inefficiencies in workflow, staffing, and financial management. 

Case in Point 

With Centerbase’s law practice management software, Powers Taylor LLP realized taking on more clients didn’t require a significant increase in staffing to manage them. The boutique litigation law firm increased new clients by 152% but added just two staff members to support them. 

One reason Powers Taylor accomplished this was by managing all caseloads much more efficiently and closing cases 40% faster with Centerbase. 

2. Law Firms Struggle with Role-Specific Challenges 

Our data shows that different roles within law firms have distinct operational pain points: 

• Managing Partners worry most about cash flow and ensuring sustainable profitability. 
• Attorneys are overwhelmed with high caseloads, impacting efficiency and client service. 
• Legal Administrators are challenged by staffing and keeping up with technology changes. 

To improve firm-wide efficiency, firms must address challenges at the role-specific level by equipping their teams with the right tools, processes, and training. For example, Texas-based Griffith Davison implemented software with case management features, which improved data and reporting and illuminated areas for process improvement. 

“We can dive much deeper into metrics and see how many full-rate and reduced-rate cases [attorneys are] working on — and how that impacts their collections,” says Kimber Davison, Managing Shareholder and Vice President, Griffith Davison. 

3. Technology is an Untapped Advantage for Law Firms 

While 63% of firms are open to adopting new technology, many have yet to fully implement solutions that could streamline operations. The top software solutions firms are leveraging include: 

• Time tracking and legal billing and payments systems to improve revenue collection 
• Case management software to reduce attorneys’ workload and boost productivity 
• Document management tools for seamless collaboration and compliance 

4. Law Firms Must Invest in Talent and Retention 

Yet, concerns about cost, training, and workflow disruption prevent some firms from making the leap. Demonstrating a clear ROI, offering comprehensive training, and phasing-in technological solutions can mitigate these concerns and drive adoption. Law firms that embrace digital transformation will gain a competitive advantage by improving efficiency, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing client service.  

Hiring and retaining top legal talent is a major priority for firms in 2025, with 19% of firms citing it as a top objective. However, operational inefficiencies—like high caseloads, limited career growth opportunities, and lack of technology adoption—can drive employee dissatisfaction. 

Firms that invest in staff development, training, and workload management will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent in a competitive market. 

5. Firms That Streamline Operations Will Gain a Competitive Edge 

The firms that proactively address operational inefficiencies will be in the best position to grow. Our report outlines several best practices: 

• Prioritize financial health by implementing automated billing and cash flow management solutions to improve revenue consistency.  
• Streamline workflows by utilizing case and document management software to improve efficiency.  
• Invest in talent retention by providing attorneys and staff with the right tools and training to prevent burnout.  
• Embrace digital transformation by strategically integrating legal tech solutions that lead to increased profitability and client satisfaction. 

Get the Full Report: Future of Legal Operations 2025 

Law firms that embrace operational efficiency, financial management, and technology adoption will be best positioned for success in 2025. 

Download the full report now to get detailed insights and actionable recommendations for optimizing your law firm’s operations.