AI could change how we obtain legal advice, but those without access to the technology could be left out in the cold

• The legal profession has already been using artificial intelligence (AI) for several years, to automate reviews and predict outcomes, among other functions.
• In effect, certain law firms have already deployed AI tools to assist their employed solicitors with day-to-day work.
• This technology could be enormously beneficial both to people in the legal profession and clients.

Reserved approach

• It could even lead to miscarriages of justice as a result of courts being inadvertently misled – such as fake precedents being submitted.
• This was an important first step in addressing the risks, but the UK’s overall approach is still relatively reserved.
• The UK’s approach is decidedly less strict than, say, the EU’s AI Act, which has been in development for many years.

• But there seems to be a genuine absence of consideration regarding the technology’s true impact on access to justice.
• The hype implies that those who may at some point be faced with litigation will be equipped with expert tools to guide them through the process.

Digital divide

• The resolution process of the courts is unlike that of basic businesses where some customer issues can be settled through a chatbot.
• Legal problems vary and would require a modified response depending on the matter at hand.
• Even current chatbots are sometimes incapable of providing resolution to certain issues, often passing customers to a human chatroom in these instances.
• The Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO 2012) introduced funding cuts to legal aid, narrowing financial eligibility criteria.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.