As client expectations evolve and competitive pressures intensify, firms are increasingly investing in business, operations, and technology talent to enhance service delivery. Here, we examine the non-lawyer roles set to experience the strongest demand in 2026, and explore how shifts in pricing models, process efficiency, digital transformation, and regulatory requirements are shaping hiring trends.
- Legal Billing & Revenue Operations Specialists
Law firms are facing sharper scrutiny around billing accuracy, compliance, and transparency. As fee arrangements diversify and automation tools become more common, dedicated revenue specialists are now central to financial performance.
Key responsibilities include managing e-billing platforms, preparing and reviewing invoices, monitoring compliance with client guidelines, reducing aged debt, and strengthening firm-wide cash-flow discipline.
Demand drivers
- Clients are rejecting more invoices due to stricter billing compliance requirements.
- Pricing pressure is prompting firms to adopt tighter financial controls.
- AI-enabled billing tools require structured human oversight and exception management.
- Revenue governance is becoming a strategic function, not an administrative one.
2026 outlook: Billing teams will become more cross-functional and technology-enabled and play a greater role in profitability.
- Legal Operations and Practice Management Professionals
The rise of Legal Operations continues to accelerate. Firms are formalizing how work is delivered, adopting corporate-style management structures, and appointing operational leaders to improve consistency, speed, and resource deployment.
Core responsibilities span workflow optimization, budgeting, forecasting, vendor oversight, technology implementation, data management, and practice-group performance reporting.
Demand drivers
- Firms are operating more like sophisticated enterprises, with multimillion-dollar practice groups requiring dedicated operational leadership.
- Investments in AI and workflow automation are increasing the need for professionals who can integrate and govern new tools.
- Partners require structured business support to focus more fully on client work.
2026 outlook: Legal Ops functions will expand substantially, particularly in firms adopting hybrid delivery models and alternative fee structures.
- Business Development and Marketing Specialists
Competition across the legal market continues to grow. With client loyalty becoming more fluid, firms are strengthening their BD capabilities to protect revenue and capture new opportunities.
Key responsibilities include pitch management, strategic account planning, client-listening programs, digital campaigns, events, market intelligence, and CRM optimization.
Demand drivers
- Firms are prioritizing industry-specific strategies and key-client initiatives.
- Digital marketing maturity, supported by analytics, automation, and SEO, is increasing.
- Clients expect proactive engagement rather than reactive communication.
- Alternative legal service providers (ALSPs) continue to disrupt traditional models.
2026 outlook: BD roles will evolve into hybrid commercial functions blending client success, analytics, and marketing technology.
- E-Discovery and Litigation Support Professionals
As litigation grows more data-intensive, technical specialists have become essential to case strategy and execution. Their work ensures that digital evidence, now core to most disputes, is processed, reviewed, and managed securely and efficiently.
In-demand capabilities include forensic data handling, AI-assisted document review, platform management (such as Relativity), privilege workflows, and remote review coordination.
Demand drivers
- Disputes in data-heavy sectors (technology, finance, healthcare) continue to rise.
- AI review tools require experienced human supervisors to ensure accuracy and defensibility.
- Remote litigation environments demand robust digital infrastructure and support.
2026 outlook: E-discovery remains one of the most resilient and future-proof areas within law-firm operations.
- Corporate and Litigation Paralegals
Paralegal demand is stable but evolving. Firms are seeking individuals with deeper technical knowledge, sector specialization, and experience supporting complex transactional or litigation workflows.
High-demand areas include litigation support, e-discovery, M&A, real estate finance, regulatory matters, IP, and trademark administration.
Demand drivers
- Clients remain highly fee-sensitive, prompting greater delegation to experienced paralegals.
- Partners are relying on paralegals to manage sophisticated tasks traditionally handled by associates.
- Growth in legal technology requires paralegals who can operate tools effectively.
2026 outlook: Paralegals with strong process, technology, and matter-management skills will be the most competitive.
- Contract Managers and CLM Specialists
Contracting is becoming faster, more standardized, and more transparent, driven by growing client expectations and the wider adoption of CLM platforms.
Key responsibilities include drafting lower-risk contracts, managing contract pipelines, applying CLM systems, and ensuring compliance with internal standards and client requirements.
Demand drivers
- Contract volumes continue to increase across sectors.
- Firms are creating dedicated contract-operations services for clients.
- Adoption of CLM technology is accelerating and requires skilled operators.
2026 outlook: Contract management will become a core operational capability across large firms, particularly in corporate practices.
- Compliance and Risk Analysts
Rising regulatory complexity is reshaping firm-wide risk management and client onboarding. Specialists in compliance are increasingly involved in governance, client acceptance, and regulatory monitoring.
Core responsibilities include KYC and AML checks, risk scoring, onboarding, conflicts analysis, sanctions screening, and monitoring ESG-related obligations.
Demand drivers
- Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying globally.
- Corporate clients expect external counsel to demonstrate robust compliance.
- Conflicts and onboarding risk now carry significant reputational implications.
2026 outlook: Compliance teams will expand across the Am Law spectrum, from boutique practices to global firms.
Why These Roles Matter for 2026
Law firms are becoming more complex businesses, and non-lawyer talent is driving that transformation. The most in-demand professionals are those who can combine:
- Technical proficiency
- Operational discipline
- Data literacy
- Legal systems understanding
- Technology fluency
- Clear, client-focused communication
AI is reshaping processes, but it is deepening, not diminishing, the need for skilled professionals who can supervise, interpret, and manage technology-driven workflows.
Contact Us
For a confidential chat about your recruitment requirements or next career move, contact Gabriella Delpozzo email: gabriella.delpozzo@wearebuchanan.com