Use a Playbook for Your 2026 Legal Tech Budget and Ask Smarter

According to David Moore of Checkbox, as 2026 legal tech budget planning accelerates, legal ops faces a narrowing window to influence how dollars are allocated. The difference between approval and rejection increasingly hinges on legal tech investments being framed as business enablers rather than costs for internal upgrades.

Moore argues that while formal planning cycles may already be underway, priorities across many organizations remain fluid. With restructuring, AI experimentation, and automation initiatives still under debate, legal ops professionals have a timely opportunity to shape outcomes. Doing so, however, requires a shift in posture. Securing a budget is less about persistence and more about precision. 

Central to the playbook is anchoring any budget request to the company’s most critical initiatives. Legal ops professionals should demonstrate how legal performance directly supports growth, protects revenue, or mitigates risk tied to enterprise priorities. This framing aligns with broader industry trends showing a move away from static, cost-based budgeting toward value-driven justification.

From there, the focus turns to outcomes. Rather than leading with features or tools, Moore emphasizes defining clear business problems, articulating the consequences of inaction, and quantifying measurable results. This narrative approach resonates more effectively with executives and finance stakeholders, particularly when supported by credible benchmarks and external validation.

The playbook also underscores the importance of internal navigation. Executive sponsors, mapped approval processes, and early engagement with procurement and infosec teams can significantly reduce friction and delays. Consulting partners should be positioned as valuable allies and connected with decision makers to build trust and clarify requirements.

Legal ops professionals who speak the language of the business, reduce uncertainty for decision makers, and prepare thoroughly are best positioned to secure their 2026 legal tech budget.