Actionstep: 2025 Midsize Law Firm Priorities Report

Actionstep, a leader in cloud-based law firm management platforms supporting more than 4,000 law firms globally, released its second annual 2025 Australian Midsize Law Firm Priorities Report.

This comprehensive report delivers insight into the midsize law sector across Australia, revealing insights from professionals at these unique and often under-researched law firms. The report equips firms with insights into maximising client satisfaction, improving talent retention, gaps in technology adoption, and more—key insights firms need to gain a comprehensive look into the forces shaping the future of Australia’s midsize law firms and make the right strategic moves.

The research, conducted in partnership with Agile Market Intelligence, surveyed 400 legal professionals from midsize law firms (20 to 250 employees). The study included various practice areas, roles, and generations, providing insights into the differing needs, experiences, and workplace priorities.

“As law firms adapt to changing client expectations and grapple with the fast pace of technology advancements, our research highlights the importance of understanding what drives success—leveraging the right talent, optimising processes, or utilising technology to align with the firm’s goals. Through this report, we aim to provide actionable insights that help firms achieve those outcomes in 2025 and beyond and hope the findings inspire new ideas and strategies. By exploring the report, firms can use its insights to benchmark performance, refine strategies, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead,” said David Hepburn, Global President at Actionstep.

With the release of its second annual report, Actionstep aims to empower midsize firms with insights needed to navigate an increasingly dynamic legal landscape. The 2025 Australian Midsize Law Firm Priorities Report is designed to support firms in making data-driven decisions that balance business growth, employee well-being, and client service excellence. By shedding light on these trends, midsize firms are better equipped to stay competitive, adapt to emerging challenges, and leverage technology effectively to deliver high-quality legal services.

Key stats

• 71% say client satisfaction is their top priority for protecting revenue.
• 45% say talent recruitment and retention is a core strategic challenge for their firm. It is recognised as the most common challenge among midsize firms.
• 13% plan to leave their firm in the next twelve months. However, attrition rates are higher among Gen Z legal professionals.
• 1 in 20 (5%) midsize firms have achieved a comprehensive artificial intelligence maturity level.
• Firms are cautious about adopting the technology, with cyber and data security concerns prevalent in 67% of firms surveyed.
• 59% say they recognise weaknesses in their digital tools and experiences that make their clients’ lives easier.
• Almost 3 in 4 (74%) respondents say that workload and time limitations are a primary challenge.
• 38% include automation tools as a core factor in improving their efficiency.

Explore these findings to gain valuable insights into industry trends, anticipate client and employee expectations, and make informed decisions for the year ahead. See how other midsize law firms navigate current challenges and prepare for the future. Download the report now to make data-driven choices that set your firm up for long-term success.

About Actionstep

Actionstep is the leading law firm management platform for midsize firms worldwide. Our platform is built to adapt to a firm’s unique strengths and goals, empowering firms to modernise and build a firm advantage in the legal marketplace. Connected features like client intake, matter management, document management and automation, time tracking, billing, legal accounting, and business reporting equip nearly 4,500 law firms globally to work more efficiently, delight clients, increase profitability, and confidently embrace growth.