Davis Polk partner and head of Litigation Jim Rouhandeh was featured in AmLaw Litigation Daily discussing what litigation leaders are expecting in 2026.

The article reports that leaders expect larger, more complex matters and an increase in cases. Jim agreed, saying, “Everything’s getting bigger. Everything’s getting riskier.” 

In the piece, Jim notes that he expects more trial work in 2026, a trend underscored by Davis Polk’s recent success at trial. The article highlights that “Davis Polk has been to trial six times representing Fortune 50 companies in the past two years.” The firm prevailed in all six cases, which spanned six jurisdictions and a range of complex issues — tax, contract, securities, cybersecurity and intellectual property.  

Jim adds that clients are increasingly willing to try cases, especially in high-stakes matters, as bet-the-company cases are less common, explaining that “There are some very, very large companies today where it’s pretty hard to say any litigation — especially a civil litigation — is a bet-the-company case.”

Jim also echoes a point made by other litigation leaders, that AI is not a substitute for top-notch lawyering. Jim notes that trials depend on persuasive storytelling, which relies on human skill and credibility, saying, “It all is the human touch. It’s the credibility of the witnesses.” Adding, “AI is not going to try your case.”

“What Big Law Litigation Leaders Are Looking Out for in 2026,” AmLaw Litigation Daily (January 6, 2026) (subscription required) 

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