85% of Lawyers Use AI, Yet Manual Work Still Dominates Legal Workflows, New Progress Software Report Reveals

About this update from Progress Software Corporation

State of Legal 2026 report shows how AI, automation and streamlined processes can reduce delays and strengthen client confidence BURLINGTON, Mass., July 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Progress Software  (Nasdaq: PRGS), the trusted provider of AI-powered digital experience and infrastructure software, today announced the release of its State of Legal 2026 benchmarking report. Based on a nationwide survey of U.S.-based lawyers conducted by Regina Corso Consulting, the report reveals that while AI adoption is now widespread across the legal industry, many firms are still working to translate that momentum into fully efficient, modernized workflows. The full report is available here. Despite rapid uptake of AI tools, many legal teams continue to rely on manual, fragmented processes. The report finds that 85% of lawyers are already using AI for tasks such as legal research, document summarization and intake support. However, 77% say much of their work remains manual and 73% report workflows that include too many steps, highlighting a significant opportunity to better integrate AI, automation and process design to meet the demands of a digital-first, client-driven environment. "Legal teams aren't slow to adopt AI: 85% are already using it. The issue is that most firms are layering AI on top of broken, manual processes instead of rethinking how work gets done," said Loren Jarrett, EVP and GM of Digital Experience, Progress Software. "Our research makes it clear that meaningful gains don't come from adding more tools—they come from eliminating friction. Firms that standardize workflows, automate intake and build governance into their technology stack will enable themselves to unlock the benefits of AI tools to move faster, scale smarter and deliver the kind of client experience modern legal work demands." Key Findings from the State of Legal 2026 Report

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