Who could have predicted the surprises 2025 brought to the legal profession? From the persistence of the billable hour to unexpected challenges to constitutional amendments, last year was anything but predictable. As we stand on the brink of 2026, let's explore some bold predictions for the legal field that, while they should come true, probably won't.

The End of the Billable Hour: A Fantasy?

For decades, the demise of the billable hour has been predicted, yet it remains the cornerstone of legal billing. Despite the rise of artificial intelligence streamlining tasks and clients demanding alternative fee arrangements, law firms cling to this outdated model. The fear of losing revenue from faster, AI-enhanced processes keeps the billable hour alive. But the dream of its death will continue to be just that—a dream.

Law Schools Pause Accelerated Recruiting

Remember when law school grades mattered? Today's recruiting process kicks off almost immediately after orientation, ignoring grades and focusing on "vibe." This rushed timeline benefits no one—not the schools, the firms, nor the students. A rational move would be to wait for first semester grades before recruiting, but don't hold your breath for this sensible change in 2026.

Supreme Court Returns to Detailed Opinions

The Supreme Court's shift from reasoned opinions to brief orders—often without thorough explanations—has altered its role and authority. Ideally, the Court would return to crafting detailed, persuasive opinions that uphold its legitimacy. However, the trend towards brief, vague rulings is likely to continue, sidestepping accountability and clarity.

A Shift Away from the Bar Exam

Utah's innovative approach to lawyer licensing, which could replace the bar exam with more practical assessments, points to a better path forward. However, despite its obvious flaws and limitations in assessing real-world legal skills, the traditional bar exam persists. While more states should consider alternatives, widespread change in 2026 remains unlikely.

Biglaw's Reckoning with Authoritarianism

In 2025, some Biglaw firms bent to political pressure, undermining their integrity and mission. The ideal scenario for 2026 would see these firms reclaiming their independence and standing up for justice and the rule of law. Yet, the financial allure of compliance and the fear of repercussions will likely keep firms from making bold stands.

Lawyers Overcome AI Hallucinations

AI has revolutionized legal research and document review but has also led to embarrassing errors with "hallucinated" legal citations. Although the technology and awareness of its pitfalls should lead to more cautious use, the legal profession's full adaptation to AI's quirks might need more time than 2026 can offer.

Kim Kardashian's Legal Ambitions

Kim Kardashian's ongoing attempts to pass the California bar exam have made headlines. While she aims to advocate for criminal justice reform, her struggles with the exam highlight the issues with legal accreditation. Perhaps she should pivot to using her resources to support existing legal efforts, although her persistence suggests another attempt may be on the horizon.

As we look to 2026, these predictions highlight areas where the legal profession could improve but likely won't due to systemic inertia and entrenched interests. Here's hoping for some surprises that prove these predictions wrong!