The webinar opened with a live poll asking where AI will have the biggest impact in 2026. Document review led at 63%, but nearly a third of attendees pointed to early case assessment (ECA) and case strategy — a clear signal that adoption is moving left in the discovery lifecycle.
Hybrid workflows are now the norm. Julia Helmer explained that teams are moving beyond "GenAI vs. traditional machine learning approaches (like predictive coding and CAL)," blending GenAI for rapid insights — summaries, topics, and rationales — with CAL for defensibility and precision. This approach provides earlier insight, faster prioritization, and audit-ready results.
Relativity’s Maks Babuder shared two years of aiR data: over 250 customers, 200M+ document predictions, and 50%+ increases in linear review speed. AI is being applied across investigations, DSARs, FOIA matters, incoming productions, and breach response, showing its flexibility beyond traditional review.
Success requires alignment between leadership and on-the-ground champions. Cristin Traylor emphasized that adoption thrives when leadership sets direction and case teams are empowered to operationalize AI.
From the perspective of Array's experts, the teams pulling ahead tend to share a few traits:
Matt Smith noted that GenAI adoption is faster than previous technology shifts because both executives and case teams are driving it, and many professionals are already familiar with generative AI in their daily lives. Incremental wins — accelerating privilege review, summarizing key documents, and reducing manual culling — are more effective than wholesale workflow reinventions.
Comfort with AI continues to grow. While AI adoption is still monitored, general counsel now prioritize regulatory compliance and data privacy above AI-specific concerns. When clients see grounded citations, rationales, and clear audit trails, they gain confidence in AI-driven workflows.
The panel noted a shift in the conversation: the focus is no longer on which tool is used, but on whether the process can be validated. Explainability, defensibility, and predictable pricing models now matter more than the specific technology selected.
AI is not eliminating roles — it is elevating them.
Reviewers and technologists are increasingly stepping into advisory positions, contributing earlier to case strategy rather than spending the majority of their time in linear review. Junior attorneys are gaining exposure to higher-level analysis sooner.
This shift reflects the rise of legal data intelligence: professionals who understand the case, the data, and the technology well enough to translate insight into strategy.
Relativity’s roadmap reflects AI’s expansion across the discovery lifecycle, including:
The direction is clear: AI is embedding deeper into real-world processes, not operating as a standalone feature.
The panel highlighted several trends to watch:
Across every topic, one theme stood out: the organizations succeeding with AI are not chasing features — they are designing workflows.
In 2026, competitive advantage will come from teams that:
AI is already reshaping how matters are understood, staffed, and delivered. The question for 2026 isn’t whether to use it — it’s how effectively you operationalize it.
Watch the full AI & Legal Tech Forecast webinar on demand.