Law Society calls for clearer AI guidance in courts amid growing risks
updated on 19 May 2026
Olivia Thorne (she/her) is the content manager at LawCareers.Net
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The Law Society of England and Wales has urged the UK government and regulators to ensure that AI is used responsibly in the preparation of court documents, warning that stronger guidance and safeguards are needed as its use expands across the justice system.
In its response to the Civil Justice Council consultation, the Law Society called on the Solicitors Regulation Authority to:
- issue clear guidance on how solicitors’ professional duties apply when using AI to prepare court documents; and
- review its Code of Conduct accordingly.
The Law Society has also urged HM Courts & Tribunals Service to introduce simple and accessible guidance for AI use in court.
While AI brings major benefits to the industry, including reduced costs and expanded access to justice, as well as helping to ease court backlogs and support economic growth, the Law Society warned that risks such as ‘hallucinations’, bias and issues relating to confidentiality and data protection must be addressed. It’s called on the Ministry of Justice to launch a public consultation reviewing the use of AI across the justice system, alongside a wider public debate about its implications. Law Society CEO Ian Jeffery said, “there have to be safeguards for accuracy and fairness that build public trust in the system”.
The Law Society recommended the introduction of greater transparency measures, including new disclosure requirements that clearly state when AI has been used in court documents. That said, it noted that while such measures are important, they aren’t sufficient on their own.
The body also highlighted the importance of ensuring that solicitors can properly oversee AI systems, stressing that this depends on adequate training and organisational support. Jeffery added: “A range of measures, including training and good governance of AI systems must work alongside new rules on transparency. Clear guidance is needed to support legal professionals and the public navigate this new AI era.
“The Law Society is committed to working with the Civil Justice Council, the courts, regulators and the UK government to ensure suitable guardrails are in place and that AI is deployed for the public good. Other countries are acting to create the right conditions for responsible AI use in the courtroom and there is no reason why we shouldn’t too.”
