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How can solicitors use AI in the UK?
Short answer
UK solicitors can use AI to draft letters and documents, summarise bundles, assist research and handle firm admin, but they stay fully accountable for the output. The SRA's warning notice of 17 August 2026 highlights two risks: AI-invented case citations reaching courts, and confidential client information being put into public AI tools.
Where AI helps in legal practice
- First drafts of client letters, attendance notes and standard documents.
- Summarising long documents and bundles, then checking against the source.
- Research assistance in legal research tools built for lawyers, with verified citations.
- Firm admin: marketing copy, job adverts, internal policies.
What the SRA says
The SRA says AI has no separate legal personality, and solicitors remain accountable for their work whatever tools they use. It points to Ayinde v Haringey [2025] EWHC 1383 (Admin), where fake citations led to referrals to regulators, and says every cited authority must be genuine and verifiable. On confidentiality, it says client information should only go into AI systems with proper contractual, technical and organisational safeguards.
Practical rules for a small firm
- Never put client data into a personal or free chat account.
- Check every case, quote and statute against an authoritative source.
- Supervise trainees' and juniors' AI use.
- Write it down in a firm AI policy. See do I need an AI policy?
Related questions
Can solicitors use ChatGPT?
Yes, for low-risk drafting without client data, or on a business plan with suitable safeguards. Verify everything.
Is there a hub for law firms?
Yes. See the solicitors hub.
Sources
- SRA: misuse of AI, warning notice (17 August 2026)
- The Law Society: generative AI, the essentials
- Ayinde v Haringey and Al-Haroun v Qatar National Bank (judgment)
Checked 17 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the source before you rely on it. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
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