International Legal Services Market Report 2025

The international legal services market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $960.56 billion in 2024 to $1.02 trillion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to the rising globalization of trade and investment, an increase in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, the growing complexity of international regulations, a higher volume of international disputes and arbitration cases, and the expansion of international intellectual property enforcement.

The international legal services market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.34 trillion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The projected growth in the forecast period is driven by rising demand for ESG (environmental, social, and governance) compliance, growth in digital trade and cross-border e-commerce, stronger enforcement of global anti-corruption laws, the expansion of international data privacy and cybersecurity regulations, and increasing legal requirements in emerging markets and developing economies. Key trends expected during this period include advancements in AI-powered legal research, virtual court proceedings, cross-border compliance solutions, cloud-based document management, blockchain for contract verification, increased legal process outsourcing, and integrated cybersecurity frameworks.

The rising volume of international trade is anticipated to drive growth in the international legal services market. International trade involves the exchange of goods, services, and capital across countries through imports and exports, promoting economic development and global commerce. Factors such as globalization, technological progress, and lowered trade barriers have contributed to the increase in cross-border trade, facilitating smoother exchange of goods and services. International legal services play a critical role in supporting this growth by ensuring adherence to cross-border regulations, resolving disputes, and enabling legally sound trade agreements. For example, in June 2024, data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) showed that average exports rose by $10.2 billion, while average imports increased by $13.1 billion compared to April 2023. Consequently, the expansion of international trade is fueling demand for international legal services.

Leading companies in the international legal services market are leveraging technological innovations such as AI-powered legal assistants to boost efficiency, simplify legal research and documentation, enhance decision-making, and provide faster, more precise legal support across jurisdictions worldwide. An AI-based legal assistant is an intelligent tool that supports lawyers by swiftly conducting legal research, drafting documents, and performing analysis using advanced machine learning and natural language processing technologies. For instance, in February 2024, Jus Mundi, a France-based legal services provider, introduced the Jus AI Assistant - the first generative AI legal assistant designed specifically for international law and arbitration. Built on proprietary Jus AI technology and integrating GPT-4 with Jus Mundi’s global case law database, this assistant improves legal research, drafting, and multilingual translation. Supported by Microsoft for secure data handling, it is currently available in early access to leading law firms and arbitration institutions worldwide. This development represents a significant breakthrough in legal technology, greatly enhancing productivity and decision-making in international legal practice.

In March 2022, Epiq, a US-based provider of technology-enabled services, acquired Fireman & Company for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enables Epiq to strengthen its knowledge and data management capabilities while broadening its portfolio of strategic legal advisory services and innovative technology solutions. Fireman & Company is a US-based management consulting firm specializing in the legal industry.

Major players in the international legal services market are DLA Piper LLP, Dentons LLP, White & Case LLP, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Sidley Austin LLP, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Linklaters LLP, Jones Day, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Paul Hastings LLP, Clifford Chance LLP, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, Hogan Lovells US LLP, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP, Baker McKenzie LLP, King & Wood Mallesons LLP, and CMS Legal Services EEIG.

North America was the largest region in the international legal services market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in international legal services report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the international legal services market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s recommendations and conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The rapid escalation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are significantly impacting the professional services sector, particularly in legal, consulting, architectural, and engineering domains. Higher costs for imported technology, software licenses, office equipment, and digital infrastructure have raised operational expenses for firms reliant on global tools and platforms. International consulting projects are facing delays or cost overruns due to increased travel expenses and restricted access to foreign-sourced data and tools. Additionally, clients in manufacturing, construction, and logistics, heavily affected by tariffs are cutting back on outsourced services, squeezing demand for professional expertise. As a result, service providers are reevaluating pricing structures, expanding domestic supplier relationships, and investing in AI-driven solutions to sustain profitability and client engagement amid economic uncertainty.

International legal services encompass providing legal advice and representation that operate across multiple countries. They address areas such as global business transactions, foreign laws, trade agreements, cross-border disputes, and international regulations. These services are crucial for companies, governments, and individuals engaged in international activities or legal issues.

The primary types of international legal services include litigation, corporate services, arbitration, advisory, and others. Litigation involves handling legal disputes before courts or tribunals and covers activities such as courtroom representation, discovery, investigation, arbitration, and conflict resolution. These services are offered by firms of various sizes, from small and medium-sized to large firms, and are used by individuals, corporations, governments, and other clients.

The international legal services market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides international legal services market statistics, including the international legal services industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the international legal services market share, detailed international legal services market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the international legal services industry. This international legal services market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The international legal services market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as cross-border transaction advisory, regulatory compliance and risk management, and intellectual property protection. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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