The new report Generative AI Use in the Legal Profession: Findings from the 2025 Victorian Lawyer Census examines how Victorian lawyers use generative AI, the challenges and risks they associate with it, and the opportunities this transformative technology may present for the profession and ultimately consumers of legal services.

The findings reveal that 36.7% of survey respondents are using AI tools in their legal practice, with over half of these using them daily or weekly.

Adoption of the technology varied with years of experience, between lawyers working in legal and non-legal organisations, and by practice area.

AI tools were most frequently used for background research on non-legal issues, legal research and case analysis, and client communication, followed by document review, transcription and contract drafting. Consequently, the most common uses were in the areas of information-gathering, drafting and administration, rather than legal decision-making or the production of court documents.

Consistent with the most common uses, AI is perceived by Victorian lawyers primarily as a tool for workflow optimisation rather than service improvement. 71.3% agreed that enhanced efficiency and productivity is a major benefit.

Few lawyers saw affordability, accessibility or competitive advantage as a benefit, and fewer still believed it improved quality or client satisfaction.

While AI presents significant opportunity for the legal sector, the report cautions there are emerging challenges including:
•    the impacts on the development and retention of core professional skills
•    the lack of support for lawyers outside traditional legal settings to understand their legal-specific professional obligations, and
•    the potential to improve service quality, affordability and access to justice remains largely unexplored.

The Legal Services Research Centre’s Research Director, Professor Nigel Balmer said:

“Our research shows that the legal profession is grappling with ways to use AI that realise its benefits while also mitigating the risks.”

“As we stand, AI in legal practice is largely valued for improving productivity, with far fewer lawyers associating it with enhanced quality, affordability or accessibility. Bridging this gap is essential if AI is to bring broader benefits to the communities we serve, beyond just making work more efficient.”

“Without deliberate effort to broaden AI's benefits, there is a real risk that the technology simply embeds existing advantage rather than making justice more equitable and democratic. Both training and clear guidelines have a role to play, not just in managing risk, but in recognising benefits beyond efficiency.”

The research revealed an appetite among Victorian lawyers for clear guidance and training to use AI ethically and effectively.

There was very strong agreement (95.5%) that lawyers have a duty to ensure AI use complies with professional obligations. Most respondents also indicated that AI use should be disclosed to clients and in litigation.

Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner (VLSB+C) has taken steps to provide guidance to the profession through its joint Statement on the use of artificial intelligence in legal practice, which sets out the expectations for Victorian lawyers when using AI in their legal work, and will be consulting with the profession about additional practical guidance it can provide."

Victorian Legal Services Board CEO and Commissioner, Fiona McLeay said:

“The use of generative AI by lawyers has grown rapidly in recent years, however this research shows the profession is still working out how to fully harness its capabilities.”

“Currently, lawyers are mainly using AI to improve workflows and boost productivity. There’s much more potential for AI to enhance client services, which remains largely untapped.”

“I encourage lawyers to think beyond simply gaining a competitive advantage. By using AI to drive higher quality, affordability, accessibility, and client satisfaction, lawyers can deliver even greater value.”

“The VLSB+C have been working with the sector to harness the potential of AI to improve access to justice through our Public Purpose Fund.”

“It’s vital for lawyers to develop their skills to use these technologies responsibly, so they meet their ethical and professional obligations, while protecting their clients from potential risks.

“I encourage all lawyers to familiarise themselves with our statement on the use of artificial intelligence in the legal profession and look out for new resources we will provide later this year on the use of AI in in legal practice.”

For a list of current resources on the use of AI in legal practice, go to the using artificial intelligence section of the VLSB+C’s Risk Outlook 2026. 

Read the full report and the research brief.

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