New survey findings indicate that the legal industry is outperforming many other office-based sectors, buoyed by sustained demand for legal services, steady revenue gains and a continued emphasis on in-person work. Cushman & Wakefield reports that law firms leased 4.5 million square feet of office space in the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the sector’s active footprint in the market.
According to the firm’s 2026 Bright Insight National Legal Sector Benchmark Survey Results, more law firms are in expansion mode, and a constrained supply of suitable space is contributing to elevated renewal activity. The survey also points to rapid adoption of new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, as firms seek to support both productivity and talent strategies.
Cushman & Wakefield analysts describe law firms as remaining among the most office-centric industries, a stance that keeps the physical workplace central to business operations. Nine out of ten responding firms require employees to work in the office at least three days per week, reflecting a more traditional approach to presence expectations compared with many other white-collar employers.
At the same time, the survey suggests that the way firms design and use their space is evolving. Rather than focusing on corner offices and rows of administrative cubicles, many firms are prioritizing layouts that enhance employee well-being and provide a mix of quiet, heads-down areas and spaces for client interaction. These changes are intended to give attorneys room for focused individual work while also supporting collaboration and client service.
Premium amenities are another focal point. The analysts note that firms are increasingly seeking upgraded features within their offices and buildings, highlighting enhanced wellness and fitness facilities as examples of what employers view as important to support staff and differentiate their workplaces.
On the technology side, the survey reports that artificial intelligence has become significantly more common in law firm operations. Sixty-two percent of respondents say they are already using AI tools, and another 21% plan to adopt them. Current use cases center on document generation and analytics, and the report links AI investment decisions to broader strategies around recruiting and retaining legal talent.
Despite this momentum, concerns around AI are pronounced. The report points to issues of reliability and accuracy, including hallucinations, defined as confident but fabricated or incorrect responses. These hallucinations were reported as being ten times more frequent in court documents in 2025 than in 2024, underscoring the risks of overreliance on emerging technologies without robust safeguards.
Looking ahead, the survey finds that law firms expect further growth in both staffing and geographic reach. Most leaders anticipate adding attorneys and professional staff in 2026, and a majority expect to expand their firm’s physical footprint into additional markets. At the same time, they identify technology, workforce management and talent development as ongoing business challenges, with talent attraction cited as the top priority. The analysts conclude that firms best positioned for success will be those that align their real estate strategies with workforce and technology decisions in a coordinated way.
