82% of Law Firm Leaders Want Faster Financial Data for Better Decisions

DALLAS, Sept. 29, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Centerbase, an AI-powered performance platform designed for midsize law firms, has released a benchmark report revealing significant challenges faced by these firms in accessing and utilizing their financial data effectively. According to the report, 82% of law firm leaders believe that faster access to financial data would greatly enhance their strategic decision-making capabilities, from setting prices to staffing and investment strategies.

Additionally, 58% of the surveyed leaders suspect that their realization rate, or the amount of revenue they are actually collecting, is lower than it should be.

Trish Stromberg, Chief Marketing Officer at Centerbase, highlighted the critical need for improved visibility into financial data.

Stromberg further emphasized the importance of real-time access to financial data.

The report also delves into the areas where revenue is often lost, the role of AI in financial management, and the evolving expectations of clients regarding payment methods. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the financial challenges faced by midsize law firms and offers insights into best practices that can help firms improve their financial performance.

"Beyond the Billable Hour" is based on a survey conducted by independent research agency Trend Candy in Q3 2026. The full report is now available on Centerbase's website, offering a detailed roadmap for law firms looking to future-proof their operations and enhance their financial management capabilities.

Centerbase's platform integrates billing, accounting, and day-to-day operations into one connected system, reducing manual work through automation, improving accuracy in firm and trust accounting, and delivering an AI intelligence layer to reporting that supports smarter decisions. The company aims to help midsize law firms run the business of law with confidence.

The survey findings point to a shift already underway in the legal market. It's not just about querying data faster; it's about getting the analysis behind those numbers as well. Tools like Centerbase IQ surface the intelligence and the insight dispersed throughout a firm's financial information, whenever leaders need it. "This is about future-proofing a firm," Stromberg said.

The report digs deeper into where revenue quietly disappears, how firms are putting AI to work on the financial side of the business, and what's changing in how clients expect to pay. The full findings, including the specific moments where firms lose the most ground and the practices setting top performers apart, are available in the complete report.

The full report is available now: 2026 Centerbase Benchmark Report.