Summary: In 2025, discovery became faster, more strategic, and more complex. From AI-driven review and hybrid workflows to expanding data volumes and cross-border challenges, these six trends reshaped how legal teams approach discovery heading into 2026.
As we kick off 2026, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how discovery evolved over the past year. For legal teams, 2025 highlighted the growing importance of forward-thinking eDiscovery strategy, efficient workflows, and adaptable operational planning. At Array, we partnered with clients on complex matters throughout the year and observed the trends that will shape litigation in the months ahead. Here’s a year-end recap of six key developments that changed discovery and what they mean for legal teams in 2026.
2025 marked the year when artificial intelligence and generative AI shifted from pilot programs to mainstream use in document review. Forward-looking teams no longer view AI as an experimental add-on—they now rely on it to accelerate workflows, identify relevant content, and improve efficiency.
Key impacts include:
These developments demonstrate that successful eDiscovery strategy increasingly depends on integrating AI thoughtfully, with human oversight to ensure defensibility.
While remote review gained traction during the pandemic, 2025 proved that hybrid and fully remote models are here to stay. Legal teams discovered that flexible review arrangements can:
The result is more resilient review operations that scale with case volume—an insight that should influence legal ops planning throughout 2026.
Digital transformation across industries contributed to ever-growing data sets. From messaging platforms and collaborative tools to cloud repositories, the scope of discoverable information increased significantly in 2025.
Teams that embraced data analytics and AI-driven workflows managed these surges effectively, while those relying on manual processes experienced delays and rising costs. Incorporating effective data mapping and targeted retrieval techniques is now essential to controlling timelines and budgets.
Globalization and evolving privacy regulations drove more cases that spanned multiple jurisdictions. Legal teams faced new challenges around:
Effective legal ops planning now requires anticipating cross-border complexities and selecting partners or technology platforms capable of meeting these demands.
In 2025, legal teams increasingly relied on real-time dashboards and analytics to monitor review progress, quality, and risk. Data-driven insights allowed teams to:
These measurement tools are no longer just operational—they are strategic. Aligning metrics with broader eDiscovery strategy enables leadership to plan resource allocation, staffing, and technology adoption more effectively.
Perhaps the most significant shift of 2025 is how discovery is now treated as a strategic driver rather than a purely operational function. Top-performing teams integrated discovery planning into early case strategy, leading to:
This alignment ensures that discovery supports the larger legal strategy, rather than operating in isolation—a trend that will continue to shape litigation success in 2026.
The trends from 2025 emphasize that success in discovery is about more than just managing documents—it’s about strategic foresight, smart technology adoption, and proactive operational planning.
As legal teams set priorities for 2026, consider:
By applying these insights, teams can enter the new year with a clear roadmap that aligns operational efficiency with broader litigation goals.
At Array, we are ready to support legal teams in 2026 with end-to-end litigation services that streamline operations, reduce administrative burdens, and mitigate risk. From document management and large-scale review to subpoena services and analytics, we provide the infrastructure and expertise legal teams need to stay ahead of evolving discovery trends and deliver measurable value in every matter.