SRA cautions profession about safe and responsible use of AI in legal sector
Amid growing day-to-day use in law firms, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has published a warning notice to remind the legal profession of their professional obligations when using AI (artificial intelligence).
AI is increasingly being used across the legal sector to support tasks such as research, drafting, document review and administrative processes. Used appropriately, the technology has the potential to improve efficiency and enhance services for consumers.
While many firms are using AI safely and responsibly, recent cases have highlighted the importance of ensuring appropriate human oversight and governance arrangements. Not understanding how to use AI safely and responsibly can lead to inaccurate information, breaches of confidentiality and potential harm to consumers.
The SRA’s key concerns include:
- AI-generated inaccuracies, or ’hallucinations’ in legal research, advice, analysis and submissions to the court.
- Instances of confidential client information being entered into AI tools that lack appropriate safeguards, risking potential breaches of confidentiality and wider data protection requirements.
SRA Executive Director Strategy and Policy, Aileen Armstrong said:
‘AI is already benefiting consumers and legal professionals, and we are increasingly seeing firms use it in innovative ways to improve services and efficiency. However, the use of AI does not change the professional standards expected of solicitors and law firms.
‘Firms and solicitors must have appropriate oversight and controls in place to make sure consumers are receiving high-quality legal services and that our standards are met. Individuals remain responsible for the work they produce and the advice they provide, regardless of whether AI is used, or not.’
The SRA received 42 reports related to the potential misuse of AI between July 2025 and July 2026. There are a number of ongoing investigations relating to misuse of AI, including on issues relating to inaccurate legal citations, supervision and confidentiality. The SRA added further sections to its guidance on effective supervision relating to AI in June this year.
The warning notice forms part of a wider programme of work on AI. The regulator is playing a key role in the government’s first Advisory AI Growth Lab which is designed to provide the opportunity for innovators to responsibly develop and adopt AI products within existing regulatory frameworks. Applications for the Advisory AI Growth Lab are open until 27 September.
The SRA will continue to work with the profession and other stakeholders to promote safe and responsible use of AI. As part of its proposed business plan for 2026/27, the SRA plans to strengthen its Innovate work programme to provide clear, practical, and policy-led support for firms looking to innovate and adopt technology.
The recent SRA Innovate roadshow in Bristol provided the opportunity for firms and solicitors to learn and gain insight on practical AI use from sector experts, and for the SRA to hear real world insights on the challenges facing firms when using AI.
Read warning notice – Misuse of AI
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