In an eye-opening revelation from The American Lawyer's 2025 midlevel survey, it has become evident that many midlevel associates at top law firms are less than impressed with their workplace technology. Despite the legal industry's gradual embrace of artificial intelligence and increased tech investments, a significant number of junior lawyers are still grappling with inadequate hardware and software, impacting their day-to-day operations.

The survey, which collected responses from associates across 66 Am Law 200 firms, highlighted that approximately 56% of these firms received complaints about their technological inadequacies. Associates expressed particular dissatisfaction with their laptops, which are often so overburdened with security software that they struggle to perform basic tasks without crashing. "Borderline unusable" was a term frequently used to describe the outdated technology that hampers efficiency and workflow.

Specific firms were named for their less-than-satisfactory tech setups. Cahill Gordon & Reindel was called out for slowing down workflows with outdated technology, while at Paul Hastings, technology failures are reportedly a common occurrence, needing multiple restarts a day. Dechert received criticism for prioritizing AI and other technologies over essential hardware, and Morrison & Foerster was criticized for skimping on basic peripherals, despite their high earnings per attorney.

However, it's not all doom and gloom in the tech departments of Biglaw firms. The survey also recognized firms that are getting it right. O’Melveny & Myers topped the list, followed by Morgan Lewis & Bockius, and Blank Rome, among others. These firms have demonstrated that investing in robust and reliable technology not only boosts productivity but also associate satisfaction.

This stark divide in tech satisfaction among firms raises important questions about resource allocation and prioritization in an era where technology is increasingly central to the practice of law. As AI and tech investments continue to rise, these findings may prompt lagging firms to reassess their hardware and software provisions to retain talent and maintain competitive advantage.

For a comprehensive look at which firms are leading and lagging in technology in the legal sector, the full rankings and details can be found on the American Lawyer's website.

This revelation is a crucial reminder to all legal establishments that the foundational technology tools remain as important as ever, even as the frontier of legal tech innovation continues to expand.