This conference will assess next steps for the evolving use of artificial intelligence in the UK legal sector, focusing on regulatory priorities, ethical and practical considerations, and implications for legal service delivery, professional practice, and public interest outcomes.
Regulatory frameworks and sector guidance
It will bring key stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss the Government’s ongoing framework for AI, including A pro-innovation approach to AI regulation and the recently published AI Opportunities Action Plan. Delegates will assess priorities for enabling innovation in legal practice while addressing concerns around transparency and accountability, looking at AI-related guidance from the Legal Services Board, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Responsibility in AI adoption and managing risk
We expect discussion on immediate issues facing law firms and regulators, including around data protection, cyber resilience, and professional responsibility in the context of deploying generative AI tools. Sessions will assess options for mitigating risks, such as bias, inaccuracy, and IP infringement, alongside best practice in how AI systems can be used to support tasks of varying complexity, from document handling and legal research, to case preparation.
Adoption challenges and practical support for smaller providers
Attendees will consider the role of AI in alternative dispute resolution, particularly its use in document review, case management and predictive analysis. Issues for smaller practices and in-house teams will also be discussed, including support that might be needed in adopting AI responsibly, and in putting in place the infrastructure and training required to enable effective and ethical use across the profession.
Innovation, standards and sector-specific regulation
The agenda will also look at wider strategic issues, including development of best practice standards, how the Government’s approach to sector-specific regulation applies to the legal profession, and putting in place robust safeguards to protect against any potential negative impact of AI-powered processes on access to justice, client care, and competition in legal markets.
As AI rapidly evolves, further areas for discussion include the future direction of regulatory guidance, how domestic frameworks might evolve to keep pace with technological change, ensuring consistency across professional bodies, and supporting innovation without compromising ethical or legal standards.
International coordination and implications for UK practice
Further sessions will examine international developments in AI governance and legal technology, looking at implications for the UK, regulatory alignment, and cross-border practice, including recent guidance from global arbitration institutions.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from the Cabinet Office; DSIT; DfT; MOJ; GLD; Home Office; and The Scottish Government.
