The rise of AI in law firms: How to stay secure and compliant
Access Legal sources advice from legal industry leaders on how the legal industry can embrace AI while considering security, ethics and compliance concerns around its use
AI is becoming a normal part of working life — and the legal sector isn’t far behind. But in a highly regulated industry like law, it’s no surprise that some legal professionals are cautious. With no official guidance yet from the SRA on how to use AI, firms are leaning on existing rules like GDPR and the SRA’s Code of Conduct to stay compliant and protect client confidentiality.
While around half of the UK workforce already uses AI tools, only 44% of legal professionals say the same. That said, most (79%) believe AI could benefit their work. Common concerns include job security, data privacy and client confidentiality — but with the right tools, right training and right approach, experts say these can be managed.
The legal profession doesn’t need to be left behind
Legal tech expert Richard Susskind believes AI could actually help improve access to justice — by making large, secure databases of legal documents, advice and decisions available to professionals. But for that to happen, firms need to start building the right processes and safeguards now.
Don’t wait for the regulators
The legal sector wasn’t fully prepared for tools like ChatGPT, which many professionals began using despite concerns about confidentiality. Brian Rogers, regulatory director at Access Legal, says this shows a gap in official guidance.
“There’s no specific guidance from the SRA” he explains. “That might be intentional — to give firms space to explore. But the risk is that once AI starts to take off, the regulators stop everyone in their tracks and tell them that what they’ve been doing isn’t right.”
He points to the example of the law firm Hill Dickinson, which was said to have banned ChatGPT. In reality, the firm was encouraging safe and thoughtful use highlighting the balance firms must strike between innovation and oversight.
He added: “Another challenge is transparency. Firms will need to explain how their AI tools work and prove they’re being used responsibly. That’s why choosing secure tools from trusted providers, especially those who understand legal, is essential.”
Sitting still isn’t the safer option
For some firms, holding off on AI might feel like the safer move, but that can backfire. Such Amin, solicitor and inCase founder, says: “If you’re not immersing yourself in the AI landscape, you might assume it’s all about ChatGPT.
“Increasingly tools, like Microsoft Copilot, are built into legal software and don’t use your firm’s data to train anything,” he explains. “Even then, teams still need training to understand and double-check what AI produces.”
He adds that client expectations are changing fast. “People are used to speed and ease in other sectors. If firms can’t keep up, clients might go elsewhere. And the longer you delay, the more likely you are to make rushed decisions later.”
Your data matters
No matter how clever the AI, it’s only as good as the data it relies on. David Sparkes, a legal adviser and M&A broker, says many firms are sitting on outdated or patchy data — spread across different systems.
“If your data isn’t clean or easy to access, AI can’t help you,” he says. “Firms need to tidy it up, make sure it’s accurate, and get better at sharing it across teams.”
Rogers agrees. “You need to trust both your data and the AI tool. Don’t rely on it blindly; understand what it’s doing, what information it’s using, and whether you’re asking the right questions.”
Let AI do the admin
Danielle Park, product manager at Access Legal, says a good place to start is with admin-heavy tasks like document summaries, pulling key data, or organising workloads.
“These jobs take up time but don’t carry big risks, especially if a lawyer is still reviewing the outputs,” she says. “Just make sure any software you’re using is secure and has permission-based access controls.”
AI can also help with compliance. Stu White, product and engineering director at Access Legal, says tools now exist to remind users when training like data protection is due.
“It’s a simple way to keep people on track and make sure everyone’s up to date with the rules around using AI safely.”
Five practical steps for using AI safely in your firm
- Learn what’s out there
Not all AI is the same. Get familiar with the tools made for legal work and what they actually do. - Think about the risk of doing nothing
Delaying AI adoption could leave your firm behind. It’s better to start small now than rush in later. - Clean up your data
Reliable results depend on good data. Make sure it’s accurate, current and easy for your team to access. - Use trusted tools
Pick software built for the legal sector, with clear security and data policies. - Start with low-risk tasks
Let AI help with admin first. It’s a good way to build confidence before using it for more complex work.
AI doesn’t need to be overwhelming — and it doesn’t have to be rushed. But firms that start now, with the right checks in place, will be in the best position to make the most of what AI can offer.
Curious about how AI could support your firm? Explore more on our AI for law firms content hub or contact us today for personalised guidance on the right tools for your business.
