December 2024
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This conference discussed the future for legal technology and innovation in legal services in the UK and the use of artificial intelligence moving forward.
It brought key stakeholders together with regulators and policymakers to assess implications for legal firms and their customers of the growing use of AI and other technological innovations in legal practice.
Delegates examined key regulatory and ethical issues, against the backdrop of implementation of the EU AI Act and the new Government’s plans for regulation affecting companies developing powerful AI models, to be overseen by the new Regulatory Innovation Office, as well as recommendations for raising AI uptake across sectors in DSIT’s upcoming AI Opportunities Action Plan. Delegates also considered the impact of the Data (Use and Access) Bill currently progressing through Parliament, with proposals to introduce changes to data protection law, particularly on the use of AI-generated decision-making.
The agenda included a focus on latest thinking on opportunities for service improvement and increasing productivity, and how they can be realised for legal service providers of all sizes. The discussion took place in light of the Government’s recently published Invest 2035: The UK’s modern industrial strategy, including plans to expand the global market for the UK’s professional services by capitalising on emerging strengths, such as accounting and lawtech.
Sessions discussed practical challenges and regulatory implications of the latest developments in AI in legal tech and services. Areas for discussion included AI-driven contract analysis, predictive legal outcomes, the use of blockchains, and wider application of generative AI and machine learning.
With the EU AI Act now in force, delegates explored implications of its tiered obligations for the UK lawtech industry and how legal services in the UK might be affected, including the shape of future alignment with EU and wider international policy.
They discussed technical and business process integration, including strategies and best practice for workforce professional development and upskilling, as well as addressing concerns regarding potential negative impact on employment and progression. Areas for discussion included addressing tech skills gaps, tackling resistance to change, and considering the role of regulation, education and training providers in ensuring that legal professionals are competent in the use of new technologies.
Further sessions looked at data security priorities, safeguarding client confidentiality and accuracy in AI-driven legal services.
Key considerations for regulators and development of the lawtech market were also examined. Discussion drew on the Legal Services Board’s update on its approach to regulating the use of AI, including proposals for the role of tech in improving access to legal services alongside protection of vulnerable groups, and creating a more open market for innovators and tech providers. We also expected discussion on the role of the newly-launched Regulatory Innovation Office.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote contributions from the LSB’s Director of Regulation and Policy, Richard Orpin; as well as from Christina Blacklaws, Chair, LawtechUK; Harry Borovick, General Counsel, Luminance; and Author, AI and the Law: A Practical Guide to Using Artificial Intelligence Safely; Aileen Armstrong, Executive Director, Strategy, Innovation and External Affairs, SRA; Jenifer Swallow, Strategic Advisor and Director, Jenifer Swallow International; and former CEO, LawtechUK; Gregoire Miot, President, European Legal Technology Association; and Ian Jeffery, CEO, The Law Society.
All delegates were 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 that attended include officials from MOJ; GLD; HMCTS; HM Treasury; CPS; NCA; HMRC; DBT; DSIT; Defra; DESNZ; MHCLG; DfT; Ofcom; Home Office; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
