As 2026 approaches, the legal industry sees a significant transformation, particularly among solo practitioners and small law firms. With a notable 70% adoption rate of artificial intelligence, these smaller entities are not just keeping pace but are also pioneering distinctive business models that promise to redefine the practice of law. Here are five innovative AI-powered business models poised to change the landscape for solos and smalls in the legal profession.

1. Artisanal Legal: High-Touch Meets High-Tech

In an era dominated by automation, the Artisanal Legal model emerges as a beacon for personalized, high-stakes legal services. This model leverages AI for tasks like research and drafting, while lawyers focus on delivering bespoke services where strategy and human insight play critical roles. Ideal for complex legal scenarios such as appellate advocacy or intricate negotiations, this model allows lawyers to command premium fees by emphasizing their unique human skills augmented by AI.

2. Human-AI Document Review: Ensuring Accuracy and Accountability

The Human-AI Document Review model addresses the ongoing need for human oversight in AI outputs. Platforms like dott.legal exemplify this approach by combining AI's efficiency in document sorting with the critical evaluative role of attorneys. This model offers a scalable solution that maintains professional integrity and meets client expectations for thoroughness, particularly in document-heavy cases.

3. AI-Enabled Contract Lawyer Services: Shared Access to Cutting-Edge Tools

As the cost of advanced AI tools continues to climb, the Shared Access model provides a cost-effective solution for solos and small firms. Lawyers invest in high-end AI platforms and offer their capabilities as a service to other legal professionals. This approach not only makes sophisticated tools accessible but also allows lawyers to monetize their investments and expertise on a per-use basis.

4. Capturing Senior Lawyer Knowledge: Preserving and Leveraging Experience

This model focuses on capturing the invaluable tacit knowledge of senior lawyers before they retire. By encoding this expertise into AI systems, firms can maintain and extend the reach of this knowledge, training junior lawyers and enhancing client services. This strategy not only safeguards institutional knowledge but also provides a succession plan that transcends traditional practice sales.

5. AI-Forward Law Firm Offshoots: Specialized, Tech-Driven Services

Emerging as a strategic initiative within existing firms, AI-Forward Offshoots specialize in AI-driven legal services such as compliance audits and discovery management. These offshoots operate with a high degree of autonomy, allowing for innovative practices and pricing models without disrupting the main firm’s operations. Over time, these specialized entities could potentially evolve into major revenue centers.

As AI reshapes the legal landscape, these models offer a roadmap for solos and small firms looking to innovate and thrive. By integrating AI into their practices, lawyers can enhance service delivery, expand their capabilities, and ultimately, create greater value in the competitive legal market. The future of law lies not in replacing lawyers with machines but in harnessing AI to amplify the unique strengths of legal professionals.