As 2025 draws to a close, Above the Law has released a fascinating roundup of data, highlighting key trends and opinions across the legal landscape, gathered from their extensive surveys conducted throughout the year.

This year, ATL engaged 7,591 participants across 13 different surveys, uncovering a plethora of insights. Notably, one persistent respondent seemed particularly vexed, cursing in 15 out of 16 survey responses. Meanwhile, in a significant survey conducted in April about the Trump administration's dealings with law firms, 857 readers weighed in, with a staggering 91% agreeing that firms involved with the administration were succumbing to extortion.

The survey results also pointed to a common struggle among in-house counsel, with 88% reporting that administrative tasks significantly hamper their ability to focus on higher-level legal work. This issue of efficiency within legal departments continues to be a pressing concern.

In October, another survey found that only 45% of associates were on track to bill at least 2100 hours for the year, spotlighting the ongoing pressures of workload and billing expectations in law firms. Furthermore, there is a clear discrepancy in billing methods; while 26% of law firm respondents believed that hourly billing aligns law firms with their in-house counterparts, only 5% of in-house respondents agreed.

The prominence of educational institutions in shaping the legal industry was also highlighted. Harvard boasts the highest number of alumni on the federal bench as of June 10, 2025, with 121 sitting judges. Meanwhile, the University of Chicago Law School stands out for consistently making ATL’s Top 5 Law School Rankings over the past decade.

The surveys also shed light on readership habits within the industry—56% of law firm partners and 70% of in-house counsel admitted to reading Above the Law during their workday.

Looking ahead, the most significant trend identified to reshape the legal industry over the next five years is the increased use of AI and automation, which could potentially revolutionize how legal work is approached and executed.

Lastly, in a lighter revelation, the ratio of ATL readers who prefer "more snark" in articles to those who want less stands at 3 to 2, showing a preference for a bit of humor amidst the serious business of law.

This roundup not only provides a snapshot of the current state of the legal profession but also offers a glimpse into the evolving dynamics and future directions of the industry. As we step into 2026, these insights will undoubtedly influence discussions and developments in the legal sector.