Most chief legal officers are currently reporting directly to their organizations’ chief executive officers, according to the “2026 Chief Legal Officer (CLO) Survey” published by the Association of Corporate Counsel.
Eighty-four percent of respondents were managed by their CEOs in 2025 – a 5 percent boost from 79 percent in 2024. Fifty-two percent also continued to communicate directly with boards, although the percentage of CLOs reporting directly to boards dropped from 7 percent in 2024 to 1 percent in 2025.
As CLOs’ goals align further with their organizations’ objectives, 20 percent of respondents reported that growth and expansion barriers are a significant concern for them. Just 4 percent cited litigation, and another 4 percent data privacy.
The report also revealed that proficiency in technology and artificial intelligence is now a key skill set for CLOs, with 47 percent saying that CEOs expected them to develop this expertise. Thirty-six percent of legal departments are actively implementing generative AI, and departments are prioritizing the AI-centered upskilling of staff to increase their efficiency in high-value work. Despite the deployment of AI, 63 percent of CLOs expected to sustain their teams’ headcounts, signaling that the technology is not set to replace people.
Companies are looking to their CLOs to spearhead the AI charge across roles and departments. Nonetheless, 35 percent pointed to persistent budget and resource concerns as their main obstacle.
“This year’s CLO Survey confirms what we’re hearing from legal leaders around the world: the role of the chief legal officer is expanding faster than the resources available to support it,” said Jason L. Brown, ACC’s president and CEO, in a statement. “CLOs are being asked to lead AI adoption, manage geopolitical risk and drive strategic value — often simultaneously and with constrained budgets. The findings reflect a clear shift toward the CLO as a central architect of enterprise resilience.”
Twenty-one percent of respondents cited AI regulation as a key priority, marking a significant year-over-year increase. Meanwhile, 30 percent pointed to trade and tariffs as a growing priority; in the face of new government policies, regulations, or tariffs, many legal departments are devoting time and resources to the resulting business changes.
Forty-eight percent are looking to outside counsel to handle specific regulatory requirements, while 27 percent are turning to consultants.
“As organizations navigate rapid technological change, regulatory complexity and geopolitical volatility, CLOs are increasingly focused on AI fluency, strategic planning and accelerating technology adoption to respond quickly and effectively to evolving business priorities,” said Sophie Ross, global CEO of FTI Consulting’s technology segment, in a statement.
The ACC published the 27th edition of the “Chief Legal Officer (CLO) Survey” in partnership with global business advisory firm FTI Consulting, Inc. The survey obtained feedback from 1,049 CLOs across 43 countries.