09/09/2026
"The AI ROI Guessing Game vs. The Clear Value of the Social Law Library"
As law firms evaluate their technology stacks and finalize their budgets for the coming year, one line item is drawing unprecedented scrutiny: artificial intelligence.
A recent article from Law.com highlighted how even massive global firms are struggling to track the actual returns on their AI investments. In fact, the challenge is so pronounced that Baker McKenzie's partner and chief innovation officer, Ben Allgrove, bluntly stated that right now, "ROI measurement is a bit of a waste of people's time."
The Hidden, Climbing Costs of the AI Boom
Why is the return on AI so elusive? First, the monthly cost for basic AI tools just keeps increasing. Legal tech providers are still ironing out their long-term pricing strategies, meaning firms are bracing for unpredictable shifts to "token economics" based on usage.
Second, technology is useless if lawyers don't know how to use it. To combat this, firms are dedicating large amounts of resources and time simply trying to equip their staff with the necessary skills. This means rolling out mandatory tiered training programs, ranging from dozens of videos covering basic prompting capabilities to multi-day intensive AI courses for senior associates. The ROI, the firms hope, will eventually manifest from the foundation these extensive training programs lay.
To be clear, the Social Law Library is not anti-AI. We embrace innovation and actively support our members' tech adoption, which is exactly why we offer a member discount for vLex’s Vincent AI. But we also know that we offer an incredible, comprehensive service, and AI is simply not the solution for every lawyer's needs.
Read full post - https://www.socialaw.com/about/news-and-noteworthy/2026/september-2026/the-ai-roi-guessing-game-vs-the-clear-value-of-the-social-law-library/
Our website uses cookies and other similar technologies to improve our site and your online experience. By continuing to use our website you consent to cookies being used. View our Privacy Policy for more info.
