Law Firms Let Lawyers Bill AI Training Hours Amid Tech Push
Top law firms now let lawyers log AI training as billable hours.
Why it matters: This novel practice encourages lawyers to engage with AI tools during firm time, accelerating digital transformation and potentially boosting productivity.
- Ropes & Gray offers up to 100 billable hours yearly for AI training to over 1,000 associates and counsel.
- Latham & Watkins commits $1 million to reward associates contributing to AI initiatives firm-wide.
- Holtzman Vogel allows junior associates up to 100 billable hours annually for AI education.
- Clio reports 85% of legal pros report AI adoption at their firms, up from 79% in 2025.
Leading US law firms are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into daily practice by allowing lawyers to claim billable credit for time spent on AI training and experimentation. Ropes & Gray pioneered this trend by permitting over 1,000 associates and counsel to credit up to 100 hours annually toward their billing requirements for AI-related work. The firm's associates have collectively logged tens of thousands of hours engaging with AI tools and training.
Latham & Watkins is also driving AI adoption, allocating $1 million to reward associates who lead or contribute to AI initiatives, with all associates eligible for this incentive. Similarly, Holtzman Vogel Baran Torchinsky & Josefiak PLLC allows junior associates to use up to 100 billable hours each year specifically for AI training.
These programs reflect a bigger shift in the legal industry. According to Clio's 2026 Legal Trends Report, 85% of legal professionals now report some level of AI adoption at their firms, up from 79% in 2025. The report also indicates that the average lawyer's workday recorded as billable is projected to climb to 42% in 2026, up from 39% the year before.
However, not all firms offer billing credit for AI training. Polsinelli PC emphasizes personal accountability, with Chair Chase Simmons saying, "If you need motivation to learn how to use AI in your career right now, we probably have other things that we should be concerned about with you."
This growing acceptance of AI billable hours signals a strategic pivot. As Jack Newton, CEO of Clio, explains, "For decades, law firm growth has been closely tied to the time lawyers spend producing work. AI is challenging that model, creating opportunities for firms to expand their capacity, rethink how they deliver services, and build businesses around the value of their expertise."
By the numbers:
- 100 hours — maximum AI training hours credited annually at Ropes & Gray and Holtzman Vogel
- 85% — legal professionals reporting AI adoption at their firms in 2026, up from 79% in 2025
- $1 million — amount Latham & Watkins allocated to reward associates on AI initiatives
Yes, but: Some firms like Polsinelli resist billing credit for AI training, encouraging lawyers to self-motivate AI adoption without incentives.