Legal AI adoption stabilized in 2024 after initial rapid uptake, with 53% of professionals reporting efficiency gains despite ongoing ethical challenges around confidentiality and bias. State bar associations responded with record-breaking AI guidance as firms navigate hallucinations and privacy concerns while integrating AI into traditional legal software categories. The analysis reveals that strategic planning and open mindsets will be crucial for legal professionals to thrive in the next 5-10 years as AI transforms from experimental tool to essential practice infrastructure.