Solicitors should be transparent with clients about their use of artificial intelligence (AI) and ensure that all AI-generated legal work is subject to appropriate human oversight, according to new guidance published by the Law Society of England and Wales today.
The new AI practice note reinforces that solicitors cannot transfer professional responsibility to AI systems and remain accountable for all work undertaken on behalf of clients, whether AI has been used or not.
The guidance sets out practical steps for law firms and individual solicitors integrating AI into legal practice, with a particular focus on client transparency, professional accountability, confidentiality and the risks associated with relying on AI-generated material.
Crucially, the Law Society advises that solicitors should provide clients with appropriate information about how AI is being used in their legal matters. It also suggests that solicitors can ask clients to disclose where they have used AI to prepare documents or other materials submitted to their legal advisers.
Any client-generated material should be reviewed and verified, regardless of whether AI has been used.
No AI tool is automatically safe
The practice note warns that no AI system should be assumed to be safe or suitable for legal work without appropriate assessment.
While free AI tools may lack the necessary protections for confidential or sensitive information, paid-for systems also require careful scrutiny.
Solicitors and law firms are advised to consider the terms of service, how data is stored and shared, where AI providers operate and whether the technology is suitable for the relevant legal jurisdiction.
The potential for AI systems to generate misleading or inaccurate information is also highlighted as a significant professional risk.
The Law Society stresses that submissions, documents and representations produced with AI assistance must be appropriately reviewed by a solicitor, with all references thoroughly checked before work is shared externally.
Professional responsibility remains with solicitors
Law Society president Brett Dixon, said:
“The new Law Society guidance clearly states that professional responsibility cannot be transferred to any AI system.
“Solicitors and law firms should choose their AI tools carefully and always check that legal work meets their professional standards. Overreliance on AI systems may result in a catastrophic gap of future legal skills and knowledge.
He added that while AI has enormous potential, ‘innovation cannot come at the expense of professional integrity or client protection’, warning solicitors to understand the risks.
The new AI practice note from The Law Society aims to give the profession ‘greater confidence to embrace AI responsibly’.
Warning over impact on junior lawyers
The guidance also raises concerns about the longer-term implications of AI adoption for the development of legal professionals, particularly junior lawyers.
While acknowledging that AI can support solicitors and improve the delivery of legal services, the Law Society warns that it must not replace opportunities to develop the core skills, knowledge and professional judgement essential to legal practice.
The potential for over-reliance on AI to undermine the training and development of future generations of solicitors is identified as an important consideration for firms introducing the technology.
Turning AI principles into practice
Akber Datoo, co-chair of the Law Society’s technology committee – who recently supported Cardiff & District Law Society members with an Agentic AI workshop – said the practice note is intended to help solicitors translate professional obligations into practical decisions about AI adoption. He said:
“This guidance gives solicitors practical tips on how to navigate AI in the legal world. It advises on how to make informed decisions by bringing a lot of information together in one place, helping solicitors turn general principles into practice.”
The publication comes as AI becomes increasingly embedded in legal workflows, prompting questions about transparency, accountability, client protection and the skills required of the next generation of lawyers.
The Law Society’s message is clear: while AI can support the delivery of legal services, responsibility for the quality, accuracy and integrity of legal work remains firmly with the solicitor.
Download the practice note
The Law Society’s new practice note on using artificial intelligence in legal practice is available through the Law Society of England and Wales, here.
