The buzz about legal analytics is audible: As a market, it’s projected to grow from an estimated $451 million in 2017 to $1.85 billion by 2022 as more firms and corporate counsel explore the possibilities, invest in tools and experiment with use cases to see how data mining can help their practice and business.

But what’s the story behind today’s legal analytics trend — and how will it play out in 2018 and beyond? The reality, say experts, is complex and diverse. And while legal professionals are beginning to see how data analytics can help them gain a competitive edge, the technology is still in its infancy.