Martim Krupenski highlights the impact of AI, new business models and regulatory pressure on the legal profession in 2026

Martim Krupenski, Managing Partner at Morais Leitão, anticipates that 2026 will be a year of consolidation of the profound transformations underway in business law, against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, accelerated technological change and increasing regulatory pressure. Speaking to Jornal de Negócios, he underlines that the incorporation of more sophisticated technology, including artificial intelligence-based solutions, will decisively accelerate the transformation of the legal sector.

New business models and pricing move to centre stage

At the heart of this change, Martim Krupenski identifies two critical themes: “pricing and new business models”. According to the Managing Partner of Morais Leitão, “companies will demand greater predictability and efficiency”, which is likely to reinforce “the search for more flexible, value-oriented fee models, greater transparency in cost management and more structured approaches to planning and project management, without any loss of quality”. This evolution reflects the growing expectations of corporate clients in terms of efficiency, predictability and value in legal advice.

Regulatory complexity remains a key source of pressure

Another major challenge highlighted relates to the regulatory framework. Martim Krupenski stresses that “regulatory complexity is expected to remain one of the main sources of pressure, not only due to the volume of changes, but above all because of the different paces of change, at both national and international level”. In this context, he anticipates “advances and setbacks, with successive adjustments and rebalancing of ambition”, increasing uncertainty and requiring companies to manage regulatory transitions with greater caution.

Projects and infrastructure drive investment in Portugal

From a sectoral perspective, Martim Krupenski considers that current conditions point to greater dynamism in areas where the market is changing more rapidly, whether driven by investment, regulation or technological innovation. In 2026, projects and infrastructure are expected to play a central role, boosting both domestic and foreign investment, in a context in which Portugal continues to establish itself as an attractive destination for investors.

Multidisciplinarity reshapes the legal market

These trends form part of a broader process of transformation in the legal sector in Portugal, marked by the effective start of multidisciplinarity. Martim Krupenski notes that the entry of large consultancies into the legal market “has intensified competition and altered client expectations, particularly in areas where law, technology, data and management intersect”, reinforcing the need for differentiation, technical sophistication and adaptability among law firms.

Business law faces a demanding year in 2026

Overall, Martim Krupenski’s analysis points to a particularly demanding year for business law, in which artificial intelligence, regulatory pressure and new economic models increasingly intersect. It is a challenging environment, but one that also creates significant opportunities for law firms capable of responding with innovation, strategic planning and an integrated approach focused on serving corporate clients.

Read the full analysis in the attached document below.

(the article is in portuguese only)