New AI action plan for justice balances innovation and responsibility
31 Jul 2025
1 minute read
News
The Law Society of England and Wales welcomes the government’s AI action plan for justice that focuses on using artificial intelligence in a responsible way.
The ultimate goal is to deliver justice as a public service available to all.
Ian Jeffery, Law Society chief executive, said: “The new plan for justice highlights the opportunities AI offers to strengthen the legal system, but we must recognise the need to mitigate the risks too.
“The Law Society’s AI strategy has innovation, impact and integrity as key pillars to ensure technology is used in an ethical way to benefit the public and legal professionals alike.
“As we emphasised in our 21st century justice project, modernising the justice system is necessary for making it more accessible to everyone who needs it, when they need it.
“The government should create a free AI-powered tool to help people understand their legal issues and find the best way to address them.
“It could be similar to the online NHS 111 service that guides people to the right support on common legal problems such as divorce, employment, housing and wills.
“AI has an important role to play in justice and the legal sector. It offers new opportunities that we must harness but also challenges that we must bravely address.
“We look forward to engaging with the Ministry of Justice further to build solid foundations of AI adoption for justice and the legal sector.”
The Law Society is celebrating 200 years of supporting solicitors in England and Wales.
It is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.