As we move into 2026, and following on from our recent blog Debugging the Digital Dictation Myth in Legal Firms (2025 Edition), one thing has become increasingly clear: dictation isn’t disappearing – it’s becoming more powerful.
Throughout 2025, we spoke with IT leaders, operations managers, and legal support teams across UK law firms to understand how voice is really being used today. The message was consistent. Voice remains one of the most effective and trusted ways for legal professionals to work – but expectations around what happens after the dictation have fundamentally evolved.
From dictating on the move after court, to capturing client consultations, meetings, and hearings, firms are using a mix of voice capture methods to trigger faster, more reliable workflows. These voice-driven processes are now central to delivering quicker client communication, higher-quality documentation, and more efficient case handling across the firm.
Dictation Is the Starting Point – Not the End
In every firm we spoke to, dictation was still fundamental. What’s changed is how it’s viewed.
“Dictation is still absolutely central to how our firm works – but it feeds into everything else now. It’s not just about providing a case update anymore; it’s about triggering the right workflow.”
Malcolm Begley, IT Team Manager, Howells Solicitors
Voice is no longer a standalone tool. It’s the entry point into:
- Faster document turnaround
- Clear task routing
- Reduced admin for fee earners
- Better visibility for support teams
Less Technology, More Productivity
A major theme from 2025 was technology fatigue.
Many firms told us they were juggling too many disconnected tools – dictation here, speech recognition there, tasks somewhere else – creating friction for users and additional cost for IT.
“What mattered to us was keeping things familiar for users. The more systems you introduce, the harder adoption becomes – especially for staff who aren’t particularly tech-confident.”
Sadie Hector, Projects & Training, Blanchard’s Bailey
Firms that moved to Diktamen valued consolidation: one platform, modular features, and the ability to adopt new capabilities without disrupting day-to-day work.
Speech Recognition Works – When It’s Optional
Speech recognition adoption increased in 2025, but firms were clear it shouldn’t be forced.
“Speech recognition is useful for certain people and certain tasks, but it has to fit naturally into how they already work. If it adds friction, people just won’t use it.”
Melanie Mellichap, Office Manager, Clark Brookes Turner Cary
The strongest feedback was around choice: letting users decide when speech recognition adds value, rather than mandating a single approach.
AI: High Interest, Sensible Caution
AI featured in almost every conversation – but with measured expectations.
“AI is definitely on our radar, but we’re cautious. Some of our processes are still manual, and accuracy really matters. We’ll adopt it when it genuinely improves things, not just because it’s there.”
Kieran Potter, Operations Manager, Bevirs Law
Firms are not rejecting AI. They’re waiting for it to prove value, integrate cleanly, and support – not replace – existing workflows.
Task Management Is Where Voice Delivers More Value
One of the most consistent requests was better task management tied directly to dictation.
“If dictation can automatically create tasks and route work to the right people, that’s where you really start saving time – especially for fee earners.”
Karen Lomas, IT & Secretarial Lead, Underwood & Co
Voice-driven task creation was repeatedly cited as a way to reduce follow-ups, email chasing, and administrative overhead.
Partner Perspectives: What We’re Seeing Across the Market
Our technology and IT partners echoed the same themes across their client bases.
“Law firms aren’t looking for radical change – they want smarter workflows built around tools they already trust. Voice remains the foundation.”
Brian Gordon, Founder & Executive Director, Welgo
“We’re seeing firms actively trying to reduce the number of systems they manage. Platforms that combine dictation, workflow, and automation are gaining serious traction.”
Eoghan Johnson, Business Development Director, Abacus Systems
“The most successful implementations are the ones that don’t feel like ‘big transformation projects’. Diktamen works because it adds value without overwhelming users.”
Andy Hawley, Business Development Manager, Quiss
“AI and automation are coming, but law firms want control. They want to turn features on when ready – not be forced into change.”
Stefano Pratesi, Managing Director, SP1 IT Solutions
“What we’re seeing across the legal sector is not a move away from dictation, but a smarter use of it. Firms want speed, but they also need certainty, consistency, and accuracy. By combining high-quality voice capture with experienced legal transcription professionals, firms are achieving faster turnaround times without compromising on document quality. The most successful workflows in 2025 — and beyond — are those that blend technology with human expertise.”
Martyn Best, Managing Director at Document Direct
Looking Ahead to 2026
The message from 2025 is clear: legal firms don’t want disruption – they want evolution.
What firms are asking for in 2026:
- A unified, cloud-native voice platform
- Dictation at the core, with smarter workflows around it
- Optional speech recognition and AI
- Voice-driven task management
- Modular adoption at their own pace
As Joe DiCarlo, VP of Business Development at Diktamen, summarises:
“What firms told us in 2025 is that they want more productivity from their voice – not more systems to manage. Our focus is building on what users already trust, adding intelligence where it makes sense, and keeping everything simple, familiar, and flexible.”
The Future Is Voice-Led and Workflow-Driven
Dictation remains one of the fastest, most natural ways for legal professionals to work. What’s changing is how much value firms expect to get from it.
The most forward-thinking firms aren’t choosing between people and technology – they’re combining both.
And that’s exactly where the future of legal productivity is headed.
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