The legal profession stands at a pivotal moment, with two-thirds of barristers in the UK and Ireland already embracing or planning to use generative AI. This surge in adoption signals a fundamental shift in legal service delivery.
Current State and Growth
The number of barristers using AI has quadrupled in recent years. Jonathan Kewley, Partner and Co-Chair of the Global Tech Group at Clifford Chance, describes this growth as “extraordinary.”
“The kind of applications we’re seeing – the way it’s been rolled out, the innovation, the investment – it’s off the scale,” notes Kewley. He warns that barristers who don’t adapt face “a bit of an existential risk.”
Impact on Practice
The LexisNexis survey reveals that 53% of barristers cite faster work delivery as a key benefit. This efficiency gain allows focus on complex, strategic work that demands human expertise.
Addressing Key Challenges
Bhavisa Patel, Director of Legal Technology at Eversheds Sutherland, emphasizes the importance of identifying specific problems AI can solve within the legal sector. Success requires:
- Regular security audits
- Employee training
- Advanced data protection
- Clear integration methodologies
Looking Forward
While technology adoption accelerates, the focus remains on enhancing rather than replacing legal expertise. Barristers who effectively navigate this transition while maintaining professional standards will likely lead the evolving legal landscape.
The message is clear: digital transformation in legal practice isn’t just about adopting new tools – it’s about reimagining service delivery while preserving the core values of the profession.
Read more: Future of Law
