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AI-powered legal practices surge: Clio’s latest Legal Trends Report reveals major shift

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Report shows AI adoption in law firms skyrocketing from 19% to 79% in just one year, prompting firms to realign their priorities and billing strategies.

AI usage has jumped to 79% of legal professionals, up from 19% in 2023, reshaping legal workSecret shopper study reveals over 50% of law firms ignore client inquiries—a massive opportunity for better client engagementLaw firms are charging 34% more of their cases on a flat-fee basis compared to 2016Law firms are boosting tech spending by 20% annually, with solo practitioners leading with a 56% increase

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Clio, the world’s leading provider of cloud-based legal technology, has released the ninth edition of the Legal Trends Report, offering exclusive insights into the key trends shaping the legal industry. This year’s report provides  in-depth analyses of AI adoption in the legal industry, the growing use of flat fees, law firm spending priorities as it relates to technology and marketing efforts, and their responsiveness to prospective clients.

“AI has reached the level of adoption the cloud took a decade to obtain, with 79% of lawyers now using AI daily,” said Jack Newton, CEO and Founder of Clio. “This increased efficiency is pushing firms to adopt more flexible billing options, like flat fees, that better align with the value they deliver. While the appetite for AI is promising, our report reveals that many firms still miss crucial growth opportunities by failing to respond to client inquiries promptly. A real advantage lies in improving client engagement, which will help firms stay competitive, deliver superior service, and secure long-term success in the evolving legal market.”

AI adoption is transforming legal practice

The latest report reveals that AI usage in law firms has skyrocketed, with 79% of legal professionals now incorporating AI tools into their daily work—a significant jump from just 19% in 2023. Not only are law firms embracing AI, but clients are increasingly supportive, with 70% either preferring or being neutral toward firms that utilize AI. This acceptance signals a shift in client expectations as AI becomes more mainstream in legal processes.

The steep adoption of AI has the potential to disrupt how lawyers operate the business-side of their firms. Clio’s analysis shows that  up to 74% of hourly billable tasks—such as information gathering and data analysis—could be automated with AI. Law firms should consider moving away from hourly billing in favor of more flexible options like flat fees to preserve profitability while benefiting from the increased efficiencies AI brings to legal workflows. As AI reduces the time spent on billable work, law firms may see a decline in revenue if they continue to rely on hourly billing.

Key highlights to note:

AI could make law firms more effective in working with clients—as a result, they may need to invest more in marketing to attract an increased client pipeline. The ability to handle more clients will require a stronger emphasis on marketing strategies to sustain the workload and grow the business.The number of legal professionals using AI has surged from 19% in 2023 to 79% this year, marking a significant shift in how law firms are integrating AI into their daily operations.Nearly three-quarters of a law firm’s hourly billable tasks are exposed to AI automation, with 81% of legal secretaries’ and administrative assistants’ tasks being automatable, compared to 57% of lawyers’ tasks.

Flat fee billing is on the rise

Flat fee billing has become an increasingly popular option, with law firms charging 34% more of their cases on a flat-fee basis compared to 2016, according to the report. This model is proving to be a more sustainable option as AI adoption accelerates. As AI reduces the time required for many administrative tasks, billing by the hour becomes less practical. Flat fees, on the other hand, enable law firms to capture the value of their services without being limited by time-based billing constraints.

While hourly billing remains predominant in law firms, clients are driving the shift towards flat fees with 71% now preferring to pay a flat fee for their entire case, and 51% favoring flat fees for individual activities. In addition, law firms using flat fees benefit from quicker billing cycles and faster payment collection, as they are five times more likely to send bills—and nearly twice as likely to receive payments—as soon as they complete their work for clients.

By adopting flat fees, law firms not only put themselves more in line with client expectations but also improve cash flow and service delivery, positioning themselves to handle more cases efficiently without compromising on quality.

Law firms increase investment in marketing and technology

Law firms have been steadily increasing their marketing and technology investments, with software spending growing by an average of 20% annually since 2013. This increase has outpaced revenue growth, which has increased steadily at 9% each year. The growing shift in spending towards technology highlights that  as the industry grows, firms increasingly see technology as  integral to their future business.  

The data shows that these investments could be paying off. Firms with above-average productivity—those billing more than the industry average of 33% of their workday, or roughly three hours of billable time per day—are making even larger investments in technology and marketing. These firms spend 12% more on software and 41% more on marketing, leading to a 21% increase in profitability. The data demonstrates a clear link between tech adoption, higher marketing efforts, and overall financial success.

Solo lawyers, while spending the least on software as a percentage of their overall expenses (0.58%), are rapidly accelerating their technology investments. In fact, solo practitioners’ technology spending is growing at a remarkable rate of 56% annually, more than twice the industry average. By comparison, small firms with 2 to 4 lawyers spend 1.77% of their expenses on software, while firms with 5 to 19 employees spend 1.37%, and firms with 20 or more employees spend 1.6%. This rapid adoption by solo practitioners reflects their recognition of technology’s critical role in remaining competitive in an increasingly digital legal landscape.

These investments in technology and marketing not only enhance internal operations but also position firms to attract more clients, increase revenue, and maintain a competitive edge in a modernized legal market.

Secret shopper study reveals that client intake remains a significant challenge

Despite advancements in technology, potential clients still face major hurdles when trying to connect with law firms. A 2024 secret shopper study, building on the findings of the 2019 Legal Trends Report, highlights these persistent challenges. Of the 500 law firms emailed, only 33% responded, a drop from 40% in 2019. Phone inquiries also showed a decline, with only 40% of firms answering calls, compared to 56% in 2019. In total, 48% of law firms were essentially unreachable by phone.

While firms that responded to emails did so promptly—84% within eight hours—just 18% provided clear next steps or cost information, and only 2% referenced similar legal cases as requested by shoppers. Phone interactions fared no better, as only 41% of firms offered rate information, 12% provided cost estimates, and 36% explained the legal process or outlined next steps. These gaps in communication left secret shoppers frustrated, with 73% unlikely to recommend the firms they contacted. However, personal interactions on the phone were more positively received, as 39% of shoppers said they would recommend firms they spoke with directly.

Law firm websites also offer a chance for improvement, as just 30% provide clear guidance on the hiring process, and 14% display pricing information.

Firms that focus on improving their client onboarding experience, like adding online client intake tools, are found to have 50% more incoming potential clients and earn 50% more revenue on average.

“Clients today expect timely responses and clear communication from their law firms, and those firms that prioritize this are seeing outsized gains in both new clients and revenue,” said Joshua Lenon, Lawyer-in-Residence at Clio. “By incorporating an online intake process and using technology thoughtfully, law firms can address these challenges head on, creating a more seamless experience from the very first client interaction.”

Additionally, using technology like chatbots to enhance client engagement offers promising potential. While 51% of clients find chatbots useful for exploring legal options, 67% still prefer having the ability to speak with a human when needed. This balance of technological efficiency with personal connection presents a valuable opportunity for law firms to refine their client intake processes and better meet their expectations.

About the Legal Trends Report

The Legal Trends Report is an ongoing research initiative that tracks key trends in practice management, client expectations, technology adoption, and more across the legal industry. Now in its ninth year, the research draws on data from thousands of legal professionals across North America, offering valuable insights into the emerging trends that are shaping the future of legal practice.

Each year, Clio’s team of research experts expand their efforts to cover new areas of interest, reflecting the rapid shifts in legal technology, client engagement, and law firm operations. Clio’s Legal Trends Report has become a trusted resource for legal professionals, law firm leaders, and industry stakeholders seeking actionable insights to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and evolving market.

To stay informed of legal industry changes and access the latest report visit clio.com/ltr.

About Clio

Since its inception in 2008, Clio has revolutionized the landscape of legal technology, emerging as the undisputed leader of innovation and integration. By offering advanced yet intuitive legal software, Clio has redefined efficiency and client service, setting the standard for legal professionals across the globe. With an unwavering commitment to groundbreaking innovation and customer success, Clio stands as the preeminent authority in legaltech, continuously pushing the boundaries of the sector’s evolution. Explore the future of legal technology with Clio at  www.clio.com.

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In HelloNation, Real Estate Expert Lee Malcom Explains Why Local Knowledge Matters When Buying Older Homes

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The article outlines key inspection priorities and explains how local expertise helps buyers evaluate older properties.

MONROE, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should buyers look for when purchasing an older home?

HelloNation published an article that answers this question, drawing on insights from Lee Malcom, real estate expert at Malcom & Malcom Realty Professionals LLC in Monroe, Georgia.

The article examines the unique opportunities and responsibilities of buying older homes. While many buyers are drawn to historic details, mature landscaping, and established neighborhoods, the article explains that age can also bring maintenance concerns that deserve careful evaluation before a purchase.

According to a HelloNation article, one of the most important areas to assess during an older-home inspection is the roof. Roofing systems naturally deteriorate over time, and replacement costs can be substantial. The article notes that understanding the roof’s age, condition, and maintenance history can help buyers anticipate future expenses and avoid unexpected repairs. Professional evaluations can also reveal leaks, damaged materials, and ventilation issues that may not show up during a casual walkthrough.

The article also highlights the importance of reviewing plumbing systems. Many older homes contain materials and components installed decades ago that may no longer meet modern standards. Corrosion, leaks, and reduced water pressure can create challenges for homeowners. The article explains that evaluating plumbing systems before purchase allows buyers to better understand potential upgrade or repair needs.

Electrical systems represent another key area of focus. The article explains that older wiring, electrical panels, and outlets may have been designed for households with much lower power demands than today. Modern families often rely on many electronic devices and appliances, so it’s important to determine whether existing electrical systems can safely support current usage.

The article also discusses foundation concerns as part of a comprehensive evaluation process. The article explains that while minor cracks may be common in some homes, larger issues can signal structural problems. Uneven floors, sticking doors, and visible foundation movement may warrant additional professional assessment before buyers decide to purchase.

The HelloNation article emphasizes that a detailed inspection of an older home can uncover concerns early and provide valuable information about future maintenance responsibilities. Understanding the condition of major systems allows buyers to make more informed decisions and prepare for potential ownership costs.

Beyond physical inspections, the article explains why local real estate knowledge matters when buying an older property. Experienced professionals often understand neighborhood histories, regional building practices, and long-term housing trends that may not appear in standard property disclosures. This knowledge helps buyers better evaluate the risks and opportunities associated with older homes.

For those exploring Walton County real estate, local expertise can provide important context regarding construction methods, neighborhood development patterns, and common maintenance issues found throughout the area. The article notes that this understanding helps buyers approach purchasing decisions with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of long-term ownership expectations.

The article also discusses the value of working with professionals who maintain strong local networks. Access to trusted inspectors, roofing specialists, contractors, and foundation experts can help buyers obtain reliable assessments and accurate information before finalizing a transaction.

Why Local Knowledge Matters When Buying Older Homes features insights from Lee Malcom, real estate expert in Monroe, Georgia, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

www.hellonation.com

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EZRA, the coaching arm of the Adecco Group, launches Loop – the first connected human and AI coaching experience

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The first connected coaching experience pairs a dedicated ICF-accredited coach and Cai, an AI development partner that remembers conversations, priorities and organizational context to enable manager performance enhancement

ZURICH, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EZRA, the enterprise coaching arm of the Adecco Group (SIX: ADEN), today launched EZRA Loop, a first-of-its-kind fully connected coaching experience that combines human expertise with AI to help managers build the skills needed to lead in the age of AI.

As AI becomes part of everyday work, hybrid workforce orchestration is about redesigning work so people and AI agents each contribute where they create the most value and impact.

In this new environment, managers are under increasing pressure to lead change, navigate complexity and develop their teams. Yet coaching remains out of reach for most employees. EZRA Loop democratizes coaching: businesses can now provide managers with an always-on AI development partner that knows exactly when to loop in a dedicated, accredited human coach.

Denis Machuel, CEO of the Adecco Group: “As AI changes how work gets done, organizations need to bring their people along with them. Loop shows how human expertise and AI support can work together to make coaching more accessible, in the flow of work. This is an excellent example of how to leverage technology, while retaining a human touch, judgement and trust that only people can provide. In the hybrid – human-AI – workplace, it is essential to intentionally design how people and technology interact.”

Research shows that teams led by coached managers resolved customer problems 18% faster. Drawing on insights from more than a million coaching sessions with 200,000 people across its customers including companies like Microsoft, Spotify, Mastercard, HSBC, Eli Lilly and KPMG, EZRA found that AI and human coaching each excel in different areas. It noticed that AI support outperformed human coaches on task skills such as prioritization and goal setting, while human coaching outperformed on interpersonal skills like emotional intelligence and executive presence. Together, humans and AI, outperform either alone, driving a 37% increased chance of behavioral changes. 

This combination reflects a broader shift across organizations where the greatest value is increasingly created not by humans or AI working independently, but by orchestrating the interaction between people and technology.

To access the full text of the press release, click here: https://www.adeccogroup.com/our-group/media/press-releases/ezra-launch-loop-human-ai-coahing

About The Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world’s leading talent and technology expertise company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units – Adecco, Akkodis and LHH – across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital engineering consulting to innovate and accelerate business transformation and empower organizations to optimize their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to fostering sustainable employability and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). https://www.adeccogroup.com/

About EZRA

EZRA is the connected coaching company that gives every manager a coach. Founded in 2019 as part of The Adecco Group, EZRA has delivered more than a million coaching sessions to over 200,000 people in 120 countries and 75 languages. EZRA combines behavioral science with 4,500 ICF-accredited human coaches and Cai, its AI development partner, to deliver coaching that drives behavior changes, leadership development and better performance. Companies like Microsoft, Spotify, Mastercard, HSBC, Eli Lilly, KPMG and ServiceNow rely on EZRA coaching. 

For further information please contact:

The Adecco Group Corporate Press Office
media@adeccogroup.com
Rodrigo Sánchez Flórez – Tel: +34 658 06 54 02 / Jürg Schneider – Tel: +41 79 876 09 21
r.sanchezflores@adecco.com / Juerg.Schneider@adeccogroup.com

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EaseUS Software Releases Disk Health Insights Report 2026 H1 from 440K Disk Samples, Finding HDDs Show a 20x Higher Share of Caution/Bad Ratings Than SSDs

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NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EaseUS Software released the Disk Health Insights Report 2026 H1 from 444,282 disk samples, highlighting differences in HDD and SSD health ratings, key warning indicators, and storage characteristics that may warrant closer monitoring.

According to this report, HDD samples were substantially more likely than SSD samples to receive a Caution or Bad health rating: 24.83% of sampled HDDs received one of these ratings, compared with 1.22% of sampled SSDs – a difference of approximately 20 times in the share of health warnings.

The findings highlight the importance of regular disk health checks and proactive data protection, particularly for users who continue to rely on hard disk drives.

How Did EaseUS Lab Conduct This Disk Health Report?

EaseUS Lab, in collaboration with the EaseUS Partition Master R&D and technical support teams, conducted this study and analyzed 444,828 HDD and SSD samples collected from February 1 through July 31, 2026.

The EaseUS Lab examined disk health ratings and S.M.A.R.T. diagnostic indicators, as well as drive capacity, power-on hours (POH), partition styles, and Windows system drive configurations. Rather than measuring actual failure rates or predicting the remaining lifespan of individual drives, the report identifies patterns in observed health ratings and characteristics associated with a higher share of warnings in the dataset.

Alongside the differences between HDDs and SSDs, the findings revealed several noteworthy patterns, including:

HDDs with capacities below 500 GB showed a 35.89% share of Caution/Bad ratings, while those with more than 5,000 power-on hours recorded a 28.10% share.MBR HDDs also showed a higher share of Caution/Bad ratings than GPT HDDs, at 34.14% versus 19.29%.The share of HDDs receiving Caution/Bad ratings was nearly identical when C: drive utilization reached 90% or higher.

These findings help Windows users identify key disk health warning signs, protect important data, and prepare for migration or replacement when needed.

The following key findings offer a more thorough look at the report’s most notable disk health patterns and the factors that may warrant closer attention.

Core Findings: Five Key Insights Into Windows Disk Health

According to the report, EaseUS Lab identified five key findings to help users better understand disk health and prioritize maintenance.

1. HDDs Show a Higher Share of Caution and Bad Health Ratings

Among sampled HDDs, 74.73% were rated Good, 23.04% Caution, and 1.78% Bad. By comparison, 98.26% of sampled SSDs were rated Good, while 0.21% were rated Caution and 1.01% Bad.

Overall, 24.83% of HDDs were rated Caution or Bad, compared with 1.22% of SSDs.

Although SSDs show a much lower risk of getting Caution/Bad ratings, it still matters to run regular SSD health checks and take timely action when significant warnings remain.

2. Reallocated Sectors and Read Errors Stand Out Among HDD Warning Indicators

The report identifies S.M.A.R.T. attribute 05, Reallocated Sectors Count, and attribute 01, Read Error Rate, as notable HDD warning indicators.

Reallocated Sectors Count was reported in 5.06% of HDD samples, while Read Error Rate was reported in 1.62%. Among the warning indicators recorded in HDDs rated Bad, these attributes accounted for 70.00% and 22.47%, respectively.

These findings highlight the importance of combining overall health rating with significant diagnostic indicators. When significant warnings appear, users should prioritize protecting important data and determine whether disk cloning, migration, or replacement is appropriate.

3. Smaller-Capacity, Longer-Running, and MBR HDDs Show Higher Shares of Health Warnings

The report found higher Caution/Bad shares in several HDD groups:

35.89% of HDDs with capacities below 500 GB were rated Caution or Bad.28.10% of HDDs with more than 5,000 power-on hours (POH) were rated Caution or Bad.34.14% of MBR HDDs were rated Caution or Bad, compared with 19.29% of GPT HDDs.

These patterns identify scenarios that may warrant closer monitoring. However, the findings do not indicate that smaller capacity, longer operating hours, or MBR partitioning style may directly cause disk health to decline. Users should consider these characteristics alongside diagnostic results, device configuration, and usage history when planning maintenance or migration.

4. Low C: Drive Space Does Not Necessarily Indicate Poor HDD Health

This study also examined the relationship between C: drive utilization and disk health, using 90% utilization as the threshold for high storage pressure.

Among HDDs, 29.04% of samples with C: drive utilization at or above 90% were rated Caution or Bad, compared with 29.32% of those below 90%. The similar result doesn’t show a direct relationship between C: drive utilization and poorer HDD health in this dataset.Among SSDs, the Caution/Bad share was 1.83% in the high-utilization group and 0.89% in the lower-utilization group. Although the high-utilization group showed a higher share of Caution/Bad ratings, the data do not show a causal relationship.

For Windows users, low disk space and disk health issues are distinct concerns and should be evaluated separately, even when both issues affect the same device.

5. HDDs Continue to Power a Meaningful Share of Windows Systems

Despite the growing adoption of SSDs, HDDs accounted for 17.79% of sampled Windows system drives. GPT accounted for 75.46% of system drives, while MBR remained in use on 24.54%.

These findings show effective disk health management requires more than mere disk diagnostics. Windows users with HDDs should also consider storage capacity, data protection, partition compatibility, and SSD migration operations.

Industry Implications: Disk Health Detection Is Shifting to Proactive Management

According to this report, disk health diagnostics are taking a broader role in Windows storage management.

A single health rating can indicate whether a further investigation is needed, but it can’t provide a complete picture of storage readiness or determine the remaining lifespan of a disk drive.

This report highlights three practical priorities for disk management providers, PC support teams, and individual users:

Don’t ignore and check for early warning signs. Review overall health status along with S.M.A.R.T. indicators, power-on hours, and other drive details rather than relying on a single indicator.Back up data in advance. When a drive receives a Caution or Bad rating, confirm the reported issue and back up important files before making further decisions.Prepare for disk drive upgrade. If a drive is aging or running out of space, check the new drive’s capacity, partition style, and BIOS/UEFI compatibility before migrating or replacing a system drive.

This approach helps users understand disk health warnings and take appropriate action without assuming every warning signals an immediate drive failure.

Actionable Suggestions to Protect HDD and SSD Health in Windows

Based on the report’s findings, EaseUS Lab recommends a practical approach to disk health management tailored to the condition of each drive.

Drives in Good Status: Continue normal use, back up data regularly, and check disk health periodically.Drives in Caution Status: Review warning indicators, back up important files, and monitor disk health.Drives in Bad Status: Back up data first and consider drive replacement or data recovery if needed.Using small or aging HDDs: Monitor disk health and consider upgrading to an SSD if appropriate.Disk with low C: drive space issue: Free up space or expand the partition; low space alone does not indicate disk failure.HDD-to-SSD migration: Check disk health, target capacity, and boot compatibility before migrating.

The report emphasizes a complete process to take as long as a user is using a disk drive on their devices: Check Disk Health → Protect Data → Prepare New Disk → Migrate or Replace Disk. The goal is not simply to label a drive as healthy or unhealthy, but to help users respond appropriately to the available evidence.

The full report, including detailed findings and practical recommendations, is available at: https://www.easeus.com/whitepapers/disk-health-insights-report-2026-h1.html

About EaseUS Software

Founded in 2004, EaseUS is a software provider specializing in data recovery, disk management, data backup, and multimedia solutions. Trusted by users in more than 160 countries and regions, EaseUS develops accessible software to help individuals and businesses manage, protect, and make the most of their digital data. For more information, visit https://www.easeus.com.

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