SRA issues warning notice on use of AI
The body that regulates the solicitors’ profession in England and Wales has issued a warning notice aimed at reminding legal professionals of their obligations when using AI.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued the warning after receiving 42 reports related to the potential misuse of AI between July 2025 and July 2026.
It said that several investigations into the misuse of AI – including issues relating to inaccurate legal citations, supervision, and confidentiality – were continuing.
While acknowledging that many firms were using AI safely and responsibly, the regulator said that recent cases had highlighted the importance of ensuring appropriate human oversight and governance arrangements.
‘Hallucinations’ a key concern
The SRA's key concerns include:
- AI-generated inaccuracies, or 'hallucinations' in legal research, advice, analysis, and submissions to the court, and
- Instances of confidential client information being entered into AI tools that lack appropriate safeguards, risking potential breaches of confidentiality and wider data-protection requirements.
SRA head of strategy and policy Aileen Armstrong said that AI was already benefiting consumers and legal professionals, and many firms were using it in innovative ways to improve services and efficiency.
“However, the use of AI does not change the professional standards expected of solicitors and law firms,” she added.
‘Appropriate oversight’
“Firms and solicitors must have appropriate oversight and controls in place to make sure consumers are receiving high-quality legal services and that our standards are met.
“Individuals remain responsible for the work they produce and the advice they provide, regardless of whether AI is used, or not,” she concluded.
Last month, President of the High Court Mr Justice David Barniville published a practice direction on the use of GenAI in the court.
It said that, while GenAI tools could assist in the efficient conduct of litigation, their use must be “appropriate and undertaken responsibly and with due care”.