From AI to PE: Major UK Legal Trends for 2026

From artificial intelligence (AI) to shareholder activism; from banking changes to the continued rise of women lawyers: many forces are reshaping the UK legal landscape. After 60,000+ interactions with firms, clients and lawyers, the Chambers UK research team has captured key legal trends and market dynamics to watch out for in 2026. Alex Marsh, UK Research Director at Chambers, explains. 

The 2026 edition is our most comprehensive ranking guide yet. We received more than 8,500 submissions and registered over 60,000 interactions with the UK legal market. The guide now features 954 ranked law firms and 14,722 individual lawyers — both record highs. We’ve also introduced new tables and approaches in response to market changes, including one for AI law specialists and another for lawyers representing shareholder activists. 

A few major themes stood out for us in this year’s research:  

For the first time this year, we’ve published a report looking at the major market trends in more detail, alongside explainers on the new tables and exclusive video interviews with in-house counsel. It's all in the UK Guide Launch 2026. 

Alongside our written analysis, I had the opportunity to interview two senior in-house legal professionals on camera: Karley Cheesman [Group Legal Director and Company Secretary, Allergy Therapeutics] and Alison Freshwater [Head of Private Credit Structuring, Aberdeen Investments]. 

Both of them had fascinating things to say about the ways the market is changing and how they work with UK law firms. 

Topics we covered include: 

Private equity has become a dominant force in UK dealmaking, outpacing traditional banks and prompting firms to rethink their strategic priorities. US-headquartered firms continue to gain ground in London, while Magic Circle firms are investing heavily to stay competitive. 

Shareholder activism is also on the rise. Once seen as controversial, it’s now emerging as a credible and fast-growing practice area. More firms are advising activist investors directly, reflecting a broader shift in market appetite and positioning. 

For a more detailed look, visit our sections on The Rise of Private Equity and Shareholder Activism. 

AI has moved from hype to reality and will continue to grow its influence in 2026. While the UK still lacks a unified regulatory framework, legal work relating to the field is growing, especially in advisory contexts. Cases like Getty Images v Stability AI could set important precedents for copyright and database rights.  

Certain solicitors are already making a name for themselves in this emerging field. Our new AI ranking table highlights seven of the best UK lawyers working in this area. 

Learn more about the impact of AI and the new ranking table 

At the top end, salary inflation is a major factor. Newly qualified solicitors can now earn up to £180,000. British firms have narrowed the gap with their US counterparts, while star partner hires are commanding multi-million-pound packages.  

But there is a more interesting story to tell: attracting and keeping talent isn’t just about pay. Chambers data shows that promotion prospects, interesting work and inclusive leadership all matter more to junior lawyers when they are considering where to go and work.  

Read the section on Talent Wars in the new UK 2026 Guide 

There are very encouraging signs of progress. We’ve added 565 more women to the rankings, bringing the proportion of ranked female lawyers to 39%. It’s probably no surprise that more women than men now appear in the Up-and-Coming Individual, Associate to Watch and Star Associate categories. We’re continuing to strive for equity in our research. Half of our interview requests are directed to women and our team is trained to spot gender-biased language. 

Find out more about Closing the Gender Gap in the UK legal market 

Litigation is a really interesting one. The UK market is grappling with new funding models that have made waves in the courts. There’s also a meteoric increase in group actions and a growing international reach for UK courts. It’s not just the volume that’s changing, but the shape of the work and who’s best placed to handle it.  

We’ve grown several tables and made adjustments this year in response to the rapidly evolving UK litigation market. 

Explore the seismic shifts in our Litigation section 

Find market insights, expert commentary and in-house counsel interviews in our new UK Guide Launch 2026. 

Access the Guide