Staying informed about trends and insights in law firm marketing and business development is essential forCMOs and CBDOs. A variety of surveys, reports, and studies provide valuable data on topics ranging from digital visibility to leadership shifts, client development, and the evolving role of marketing professionals. The resources below highlight key findings from respected organizations and research firms to help law firm leaders benchmark performance and make strategic decisions. Each entry includes a link to explore the full report or study for deeper insights.

Legal Marketing Association (LMA) / Above the Law

The LMA collaborates with Above the Law to produce the annual Legal Marketing Decision-Makers Survey, offering insights into how marketing and business development leaders are adapting to industry changes. Over 100 marketing/BD leaders were surveyed on things from AI to client development. https://abovethelaw.com/2025/06/introducing-the-2025-legal-marketing-decision-makers-survey/

BTI Consulting Group

BTI’s Benchmarking Law Firm Marketing & Business Development series multiple reports.  Two recent reports stand out – that law firm CMOs believe we are entering a gold age: https://bticonsulting.com/themadclientist/inside-the-battle-for-law-firm-marketings-golden-age  and a discussion on the movement in the CMO seat slowing down this year: https://bticonsulting.com/themadclientist/law-firm-cmo-turnover-slows-to-a-trickle

American Lawyer Media

ALM does a variety of surveys throughout the year, not necessarily on law firm marketing, but many that may be of interest: Surveys & Rankings – Page 1 | Law.com

Decipher Market Research

Decipher produces an annual law firm report that points to trends that drive hiring, growth and more:  https://decipherintel.com/decipher-annual-report/

9sail

This 2025 study of Am Law 200 digital visibility performance and the subsequent ranking index published in July 2025, examines each firm’s website through the lenses of technical health, SEO growth, and online authority to provide a clearer picture of digital competitiveness. The goal of the research is to offer law firm leaders actual benchmarks for success in online performance and highlight what it will take to improve. https://9sail.com/resources/tools/am-law-200-digital-visibility-report/

Best Lawyers

The most recent survey, a mid-year market review, highlights respondents’ thoughts on the economy and AI: https://www.bestlawyers.com/press/2026-editions-of-best-lawyers-in-the-united-states

Calibrate Legal

This agency conducts a number of studies of interest around marketing departments and trends: https://calibrate-strategies.com/insights-hub/?e-filter-fc0ca81-category=market-trends-intel