From AI budget to AI return – who benefits from Legal AI?

The 100 highest-revenue law firms in Germany generated more revenue in 2025/26 with stagnating headcount; revenue per fee earner is at a record level. At the same time, law firms and legal departments are investing in AI, yet hardly any measure systematically what this investment actually yields, while providers double their revenues within months. The panel asks when an AI budget turns into a measurable return, and who benefits from it: the law firm, the client or the provider.