A survey reveals UK lawyers are calling for structured regulation of AI technologies, with a preference for professional bodies to oversee compliance and certification in the legal sector.
UK Lawyers Advocate for AI Regulation: Survey Highlights Need for Structured Oversight
In light of the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within the legal sector, a significant proportion of legal professionals in the United Kingdom are calling for more structured regulation of AI technologies. This emerges from the “2024 Future of Professionals” report by Thomson Reuters, a renowned global content and technology provider.
The survey reveals a divided stance amongst UK lawyers regarding who should oversee this regulation. Notably, 49% of respondents favour governmental intervention in the regulation of AI within the legal sphere. However, a stronger preference emerges for regulation to be handled by professional bodies, with 67% advocating for entities such as the Law Society and Bar Council to spearhead this effort. Additionally, 18% of legal professionals believe that both government and professional bodies should jointly regulate AI usage.
A crucial concern among the lawyers surveyed is the reliability and transparency of AI systems, with 42% suggesting that regulators should conduct thorough audits of the algorithms used in legal AI tools. Kriti Sharma, the Chief Product Officer for Legal Tech at Thomson Reuters, emphasises that there is a shared understanding within the legal profession regarding the necessity for effective safeguards to leverage AI technology ethically and safely. Sharma points out that ensuring trust in AI-generated results is imperative for firms, even as they implement their own protective measures.
Certification of AI tools also emerged as a significant point of interest. A majority, 59% of surveyed lawyers, expressed that AI tools should undergo certification to confirm they meet the stringent standards expected within the legal industry. This certification could be conducted either by suppliers or through industry bodies, providing the legal profession with additional assurance of these tools’ credibility and compliance.
The survey also highlights the importance of transparency and ethics in AI deployment, with 40% of lawyers indicating the necessity for mechanisms to encourage whistleblowing on AI misuse within law firms and the wider legal framework. Sharma notes that professional bodies naturally serve as a primary source of regulation for AI use, with concerns over ethics and accuracy being central to responsible AI application—aligning with the agenda of regulators like the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Furthermore, the report observes that 54% of UK lawyers advocate for the establishment of certification processes to enforce the responsible use and development of AI within the legal field.
This research underscores the evolving landscape of AI in law and the ongoing discourse on how best to manage its integration, ensuring it aligns with professional standards and ethical considerations. The call for regulation—whether by government or professional entities—reflects a broader commitment to maintaining integrity and trust within the legal system as technology continues to advance.
Source: Noah Wire Services
