Firms Embracing AI Strategies Experience Double the AI-driven Revenue Growth on Average
In a recent report titled "2025 Future of Professionals," Thomson Reuters has shed light on the significant potential benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in the U.S. legal and tax sectors. The comprehensive study, based on input from 2,275 global professionals across various industries, reveals a divide between organizations with visible AI strategies and those without.
Thomson Reuters, with its roots in trusted journalism and news, has built its generative AI capabilities on over 30 years of advancements in machine learning and natural language processing technology. The company employs thousands of data scientists, engineers, designers, UX specialists, and analysts, and is investing $200 million annually over the next few years to integrate AI into its flagship content and technology solutions.
The report highlights three key themes: Bridging the gap between tech today and business tomorrow, the jagged edge of AI adoption, and the modern professional. One of the key findings is that AI delivers significant productivity and financial benefits. In the U.S. legal sector alone, AI adoption could unlock $20 billion annually in value, saving legal professionals around five hours per week and equating to about $19,000 in additional value per employee each year. Combined with the tax and accounting sectors, the total potential annual impact could reach $32 billion.
A strategic AI adoption plan is critical, according to the report. Organizations with clear, aligned AI strategies that involve leadership, professionals, and operational teams are realizing real ROI by improving efficiency, cutting costs, enhancing client experience, and improving employee work-life balance. Those without such a coordinated strategy risk a “massive blind spot” that leads to billions in lost productivity gains.
AI proficiency is becoming essential for professionals. 96% of professionals in the legal industry report at least basic awareness of AI capabilities but recognize their skills need development. Active and varied learning methods—such as training, experimentation, and participation—are linked to higher AI literacy. Professionals who fail to develop AI skills risk falling behind and losing relevance.
Ethical and privacy concerns persist, with worries about responsible AI use having eased somewhat, but growing concern around privacy, confidentiality, transparency, and data security implications. Thomson Reuters emphasizes controls in AI development to protect confidential information.
The report stresses that success depends on intentional and strategic adoption. AI-empowered professionals gain a competitive edge, enhancing both their own impact and their organization's long-term value.
The report also reveals that 88% of professionals favor having profession-specific AI assistants. However, only 22% of organizations state they have a visible, defined AI strategy. Furthermore, 3 in 10 professionals say their organizations are moving too slowly on AI adoption, and 4 in 10 organizations are adopting AI without a strategy.
Thomson Reuters is committed to creating AI solutions that augment professional capabilities while adhering to the highest ethical standards. The company has created Distinguished Scientist and Engineering pathways to ensure Labs colleagues can continue to grow in their careers as they help grow TR's solutions.
In summary, the report underscores that the future for legal and tax professionals lies in embracing AI strategically and continuously developing AI literacy to remain competitive and unlock significant efficiency and financial gains. Without a coherent plan that aligns AI initiatives with organizational priorities, organizations may miss out on the advantages of strategically integrating AI.
To access the full report, visit https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/c/future-of-professionals.
Technology plays a crucial role in the AI capabilities developed by Thomson Reuters, with advancements in machine learning and natural language processing being key components.
The report by Thomson Reuters highlights that AI proficiency is becoming essential for professionals, with active learning methods linked to higher AI literacy.
