Five Key Trends Expected to Shape DC's Legal Market in 2026
Law360 spoke with BigLaw office leaders and recruiters about the dynamics expected to influence Washington, DC's legal market in 2026, with industry insiders anticipating another active year in the nation's capital.
Trump administration tariffs and the US Supreme Court's pending decision are expected to continue driving legal demand throughout 2026. Energy issues remain prominent, with the data center boom across the Washington region driving business transactions and an increased focus on nuclear energy's role in power generation.
Rachel Nonaka, a partner with Macrae, predicts steady continued movement from federal agencies to private practice as the recruiting market stabilizes. Recruiters identified several practice areas expected to remain in high demand, including appellate work, antitrust, energy, trade and national security, life sciences and congressional investigations.
The upcoming midterm elections could significantly impact both hiring and legal work in Washington, with government attorneys who depart in 2026 bringing valuable expertise and insights into the Trump administration. Meanwhile, firms remain in investment mode when it comes to AI, with client attitudes shifting dramatically—most now want lawyers to use AI to improve efficiency, compared to 18 months ago when they opposed its use.
Read the full Law360 article by Alison Knezevich here: What Will Shape The DC Legal Market In 2026
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