CLOC Global Institute 2026 Puts AI at Center of Legal Ops in Chicago
CLOC Global Institute 2026 moves to Chicago and spotlights AI's growing role in legal operations.
Why it matters: Legal departments face increased demands in compliance and cybersecurity, while most now manage dedicated AI oversight—making understanding and leveraging AI critical for operational leaders aiming for efficiency despite tight budgets.
- CLOC Global Institute 2026 runs May 11-14 at Chicago's McCormick Place.
- The event theme 'Stronger by Design' emphasizes intentional systems and collaboration.
- AI training, governance, and resource optimization will headline the agenda.
- 85% of legal departments now have dedicated AI oversight or resources.
The CLOC Global Institute (CGI) returns May 11-14, 2026, marking its debut in Chicago with a sharpened focus on artificial intelligence's effect on legal operations. Organizers say the move signals the next chapter for the CLOC community and underscores legal ops' growing influence in the Midwest and beyond.
- CGI 2026's theme, 'Stronger by Design', pays homage to Chicago's intentional architecture—mirroring the need for deliberate design in legal operational systems and cross-functional teamwork.
- According to the 2026 State of the Industry Report, 85% of legal departments have established dedicated AI resources, a signal of rapid enterprise adoption and a tilt toward formal AI governance.
- The CGI agenda highlights AI training and governance, resource optimization, skills building, and future-ready departmental design, acknowledging the mounting pressure from regulatory compliance and cybersecurity demands.
- Sponsors such as Epiq and Agiloft will showcase AI-based workflow and contracting solutions aimed at increasing efficiency and delivering measurable business value for corporate legal teams.
"CGI continues to be the central convening point for legal operations professionals worldwide, and our move to Chicago represents the next chapter of growth for our community," said Oyango Snell, Executive Director of CLOC.
With only 37% of legal departments expecting an increase in outside counsel spend—a sharp drop from 58% the previous year—AI-driven efficiency and strategic resource allocation are now front and center for in-house leaders.
By the numbers:
- 85% — Legal departments with dedicated AI oversight or resources
- 37% — Legal departments expecting an increase in outside counsel spend, down from 58% last year
- 63% — Departments experiencing regulatory compliance workload increases