AI in legal practice: assistance, not delegation
AI can reduce the time solicitors spend on document review, research preparation, first-draft correspondence, and matter administration. It does not replace legal judgement, client-specific advice, or the professional obligations that attach to every matter.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has published guidance on the use of AI in legal practice, emphasising that solicitors remain responsible for the accuracy and quality of AI-assisted work and that client confidentiality obligations apply to information entered into AI tools.
The most productive starting points are tasks that are high-volume, well-defined, and have a clear human review step — not tasks that require the solicitor's professional judgement or client-specific advice.
Practical AI use cases for law firms
| Use case | How AI can help | What the solicitor still owns |
|---|---|---|
| Document review | Identify relevant clauses, flag deviations from standard positions, and summarise document contents for review. | Legal analysis, risk assessment, and the advice given to the client. |
| Research preparation | Summarise case law, legislation, or guidance from approved legal databases for a qualified reviewer. | Applying the research to the client's specific circumstances and taking professional responsibility for the advice. |
| Draft correspondence | Produce first drafts of routine letters, standard clauses, and client-facing explanations. | Reviewing for accuracy, legal correctness, and appropriateness to the client's situation. |
| Matter administration | Draft attendance notes, matter summaries, and billing narratives from approved notes. | Reviewing for accuracy and approving before use. |
| Client intake | Assist with structured intake questionnaires and conflict-check preparation. | Conducting the conflict check, advising on engagement, and managing the client relationship. |
SRA obligations and professional considerations
Confidentiality
Client information is subject to strict confidentiality obligations. Before entering client data into any AI tool, confirm the tool's data processing terms and whether the use is consistent with the firm's confidentiality obligations and privacy notice.
Competence and supervision
The SRA requires solicitors to maintain competence and supervise work appropriately. AI-assisted outputs must be reviewed by a qualified person who takes responsibility for the result.
Accuracy
AI can produce plausible but legally incorrect summaries, clauses, or advice. Every AI-assisted output that affects a client's matter must be reviewed by a qualified solicitor before use.
Transparency
Consider whether clients should be informed that AI tools are used in the preparation of their matter. The SRA's guidance on transparency and client communication is relevant here.
How to start in a law firm
- Start with internal tasks — matter summaries, attendance notes, or research preparation — before moving to client-facing work.
- Confirm the data handling terms of any tool before entering client or matter information.
- Set a review and approval step for every AI-assisted output.
- Check the current SRA guidance and any relevant practice area guidance.
- Document the use of AI tools in the firm's risk management framework.
From my workflow
For a law-firm assessment, I would start with internal documentation — attendance notes, matter summaries, and research preparation — where the output is reviewed before it reaches a client.
The confidentiality conversation should be the first one: which matter information may enter the tool, under what terms, and who is responsible for the review. That needs to be decided before any trial begins.
Frequently asked questions
Can solicitors use AI for client work?
AI can assist with document review, research preparation, and draft correspondence, but every output that affects a client's matter must be reviewed by a qualified solicitor. SRA obligations regarding competence, supervision, and confidentiality apply.
What are the confidentiality considerations for AI in legal practice?
Client information is subject to strict confidentiality obligations. Before entering client or matter data into an AI tool, confirm the tool's data processing terms and whether the use is consistent with the firm's confidentiality obligations.
What is the SRA's position on AI use?
The SRA has published guidance emphasising that solicitors remain responsible for the accuracy and quality of AI-assisted work and that professional obligations, including confidentiality and competence, apply to AI use. Check the current guidance on the SRA website.
Sources and further reading
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