Law firms race to staff lucrative AI data-center practice as deals surge

AI hyperscalers and their investors are pouring billions into new data-center facilities, driving law firms to establish dedicated digital-infrastructure practices that combine energy, real-estate, insurance and finance skills. Kirkland & Ellis alone has a team of over 100 lawyers, with one partner citing $110 billion in deals over the past twelve months, while White & Case has advised on more than $100 billion and recently launched a global practice.

Deal timelines have compressed dramatically, with transactions that once took half a year now closing in weeks, intensifying competition for lawyers and prompting firms to raise pay and promise faster deal flow. Firms acknowledge a shortage of seasoned practitioners, creating challenges in preserving service quality as teams expand. The growing complexity of these projects also raises litigation risk, as clients seek legal safeguards against disputes with partners, regulators and local communities.