Lawyers need to be provided with clear, practical guidance on existing rules about artificial intelligence rather than new regulation, the Law Society has told the government.
Responding to the government’s call for evidence on its proposed AI Growth Lab - described as a ‘cross-economy sandbox’ - Chancery Lane said that two-thirds of lawyers already use AI tools in their work, yet uncertainty remains over the exact requirements for data security, oversight, and liability remains. Examples, it said, include whether client data must be anonymised when inputted into AI platforms; whether lawyers must always oversee AI used in legal services and who would be held responsible for incorrect or harmful AI-generated legal advice.
In its response, the Society emphasised the importance of maintaining current legal sector regulation when using AI tools, including in reserved legal activities.
Ian Jeffery, Law Society chief executive, 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.’
This article is now closed for comment.
5 Readers' comments