UK and Ireland data shows fixed fees overtaking hourly billing as AI compresses time

Legal Futures' coverage of Clio's UK & Ireland Legal Insights Report says fixed or flat fees now account for 53% of matters across UK and Ireland firms, while hourly billing has dropped to 32%. The report also says 71% of active AI users say AI is reducing cost per matter by absorbing drafting, research and administrative work. This is the clearest weekly signal that pricing is catching up with AI-enabled delivery. If work takes less time but clients still want certainty, firms need better scope discipline, margin models and post-matter data rather than simply defending hourly baselines.