The legal sector needs clarity more than flexibility to make the most of AI

News

The Law Society’s response to the UK government’s call for evidence on the AI Growth Lab emphasises the importance of maintaining current legal sector regulation when using AI tools, including in reserved legal activities.

The Law Society is looking forward to working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to ensure that, if a legal services sandbox is established, additional clarity on how AI can be used in legal services will uphold professional standards and public trust.

Two-thirds of lawyers already use AI tools in their work, yet uncertainty around the exact requirements for data security, oversight, and liability remains.

The Law Society highlighted that instead of changing or introducing new regulation, lawyers need to be provided with clear, practical guidance on existing rules.

For example:

• whether client data must be anonymised when it is being inputted into AI platforms
• guidance on data security, storage and sharing
• whether lawyers must always oversee AI used in legal services
• how AI can be used by solicitors to help carry out reserved legal activities like court representation, conveyancing and probate
• if AI gives incorrect or harmful legal advice, who is held responsible: the solicitor, the firm, the AI developer or the insurer

Law Society CEO, Ian Jeffery, said:

“AI innovation is vital for the legal sector and already has great momentum. The existing legal regulatory framework supports progress.

"The main challenges don’t stem from regulatory burdens, but rather from uncertainty, cost, data and skills associated with AI adoption.

“Technological progress in the legal sector should not expose clients or consumers to unregulated risks.

"Current regulation of the profession reflects the safeguards that Parliament deemed vital to protect clients and the public. It ensures trust in the English and Welsh legal system worldwide.

“The Law Society strongly supports innovation provided it remains aligned with professional integrity and operates in a solid regulatory environment.

"The government must work with legal regulators and bodies to ensure adherence to the sector's professional standards. Any legal regulatory changes must include parliamentary oversight."

Notes to editors

See the call for evidence on the AI Growth Lab of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Read the Law Society AI strategy.

Read the AI culture clash survey (August 2025).