Law firms have shown gradual improvement in digital adoption over the past two years, though their use of AI remains inconsistent, based on the latest Digital Conveyancing Maturity Index (DCMI). The survey, released today, indicates a near 10% increase in digital readiness scores across the industry, rising from 54.4% in 2024 to 59.8% in 2026. Despite this growth, the data highlights a divide between general technology adoption and the strategic deployment of AI.
The index assesses firms across six categories, with the largest improvements in system integration, IT infrastructure, and digital records management, now scoring 57.6%—up 3 percentage points since 2024. Advances also appear in new business and onboarding processes, reaching 34.1% and 46.8% respectively. The most significant progress, however, occurs in post-completion tasks, particularly with integrated Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) submissions, which grew from 37% to 51%.
AI adoption lags behind other tech gains
AI implementation, however, falls short of expectations. The index’s new AI-specific section scores firms at just 29.3%, the lowest among the six areas. While 85% of firms use some AI tools, only 14% incorporate them as standard practice. Most firms (69%) treat AI as isolated experiments, and just 18% have extended its use across entire teams. This indicates a lack of full planning to move from trial projects to scalable operations.
The most frequent AI applications in conveyancing focus on client reporting (42%), document analysis (38%), and enquiry handling (38%). These uses reflect cautious testing in areas where outputs are easily reviewed, but critical functions like risk assessment and triage remain underdeveloped. The report emphasizes the need to shift from sporadic AI deployment to structured, measurable workflows, especially in identifying missing information or managing deadlines.
He notes that while content-heavy tasks see the most activity, higher-value applications—such as automating risk checks or streamlining exceptions—are still emerging.
Pre-completion stages lag in automation progress
Pre-completion stages remain the weakest area, with 70% of firms still exchanging documents via email and 65% tracking deadlines manually or in spreadsheets. The maturity score for this phase dropped slightly to 35.3%, though technological advancements have shifted benchmarks. In contrast, post-completion processes show stronger progress, with 44% of firms now using integrated SDLT submissions, up from 40% in 2024.
Digital onboarding has become standard but remains fragmented. While 89% use digital identity verification and 74% conduct digital source-of-funds checks, 71% still rely on phone, email, or post for onboarding communications. Shared workflows are notably absent: only 16% use automated solutions for document exchange and CMS updates, and 82% manually log into lender-panel platforms.
The top performers in the index reflect a changing leadership dynamic. In 2024, smaller practices (1–25 employees) led the rankings, but by 2026, mid-sized firms (26–199 employees) now account for two-thirds of the highest scorers. This suggests that larger teams have overcome coordination barriers to accelerate adoption, though firm size alone does not ensure maturity.
Bell Lamb & Joynson maintained its top position with a 94.5% maturity score, followed by Thomas Flavell & Sons (88.3%) and The Partnership (82.1%). Bruce Griffin of Eden Conveyancing, ranked seventh, observes that client expectations now resemble those of online banking, pushing firms toward higher digital standards.
Client communication still relies on outdated methods
Client communication remains a persistent inefficiency despite high adoption rates for digital verification and funding checks. Over two-thirds of firms (71%) still default to phone, email, or postal mail for onboarding notifications, methods that delay processing and increase manual effort. Nearly half (47%) provide pricing quotes verbally or via email, and more than half (57%) handle initial enquiries the same way. This disjointed approach creates delays, particularly as clients now expect the speed and convenience of digital banking.
The lack of standardized workflows exacerbates these issues. Only 16% of firms use automated systems to exchange documents with clients and update their case management systems in real time. Half (50%) still rely on physical mail or email for enquiries, and just 15% employ collaborative workspaces that integrate client and firm platforms. Lender-panel interactions remain highly manual, with 82% of firms logging in separately to upload documents, a process prone to errors and version mismatches. The absence of tool interoperability forces staff to juggle multiple systems, undermining efficiency gains elsewhere.
Beyond the top tier, the gap between leaders and laggards has grown. While the top 10 firms achieve scores above 73.8%, the sector average remains at 59.8%. Client demands and regulatory pressures are accelerating this divide. Bruce Griffin of Eden Conveyancing states that clients now expect conveyancing to match the speed of online banking, a standard firms must meet to stay competitive. Richard Wollacott of Knights cautions that paper-based processes will leave firms vulnerable as digital competitors streamline operations. The industry’s next challenge is transitioning from fragmented AI pilots to integrated, workflow-driven solutions.
