Hugh James, a top 100 law firm headquartered in Cardiff, is expanding its firm-wide investment in responsible generative AI capability by securing 500 places on King’s College London’s new AI Literacy for Law course.
As AI tools become more widely adopted across the legal sector, the full-service UK law firm is scaling structured capability across the business, so its teams apply generative AI responsibly and in line with professional standards. The UK-wide programme will include both lawyers and business services teams, embedding practical AI understanding at every level of the firm.
The initiative builds on a two-year relationship with The Dickson Poon School of Law at King’s College London. In 2024 and 2025, academic Dan Hunter delivered foundational AI education to Hugh James employees, establishing a shared baseline of knowledge and awareness of emerging AI technology across the firm.
The new AI Literacy for Law course marks the next phase of that partnership. It will provide deeper, role-specific insight into how AI is being used across legal practice, alongside focused guidance on governance, risk and regulatory considerations.
By investing at this scale, Hugh James is positioning AI capability as a core professional competency across the firm and within modern legal practice. Rupert Poole, Chief Technology Officer at Hugh James (pictured), said:
“Building on two years of work with King’s College London, this initiative further strengthens our firm-wide AI capability. It gives our people the practical skills and judgement to use generative AI responsibly in their daily work, improving client service while maintaining professional standards.”
Matthew Tossell, Senior Partner lead on AI Integration, added:
“The firm views AI capability as both a leadership and operational priority. Through our collaboration with The Dickson Poon School of Law, Hugh James continues to embed structured, academically grounded learning for colleagues to engage with emerging technologies in an informed and considered way.”
The 500 places represent the majority of the firm’s legal and business services workforce. The programme will be delivered in five cohorts of 100 participants, with the first cohort beginning in early March 2026.
Professor Dan Hunter, Executive Dean of The Dickson Poon School of Law commented:
“It is fantastic to open our AI Literacy for Law course for the first time to a top law firm like Hugh James. Artificial intelligence is no longer optional for the next generation of lawyers – it’s fundamental. Equipping law firms and lawyers with these tools and skills will ensure our legal profession is ready to utilise AI thoughtfully and meet the challenges it presents.”
Hugh James employs more than 700 people across its UK offices, including its Cardiff headquarters.
