At a recent Westminster Legal Policy Forum, LawtechUK’s head highlighted how AI might significantly close the justice gap in the UK, primarily through its strategic application within social welfare law.
Christina Blacklaws, chair of LawtechUK, discussed the transformative potential of AI, particularly ‘agentic’ AI, which can perform autonomous actions and decision-making. In her speech, she noted the limited development of AI in social welfare law, a sector that accounts for nearly half of the UK’s unmet legal needs. Despite this potential, she pointed out that AI’s current use in the legal field is largely restricted to contract drafting by law firms, with only a few social enterprises exploring its utility in other areas.
Blacklaws underscored the government’s crucial role in supporting the not-for-profit sector, ensuring that AI resources become accessible to all, regardless of income. She articulated a strong belief in AI’s capability to radically advance this sector, provided there is sufficient backing from both government and private entities.
The introduction of AI could dismantle traditional barriers in the legal sector, historically dominated by few gatekeepers. By enabling individuals to access legal services through speech, AI could remove literacy as a stumbling block, levelling the playing field for all users. Moreover, AI has the potential to offer interactive client support while simultaneously addressing and eliminating biases in the system.
The influence of ‘agentic’ AI has already been observed in industries such as finance and retail, where it operates continuously, assisting business operations. Such technology could relieve advice agencies from some of their administrative burdens, providing round-the-clock customer solutions.
Harry Borovick, general counsel at a leading AI firm, echoed the importance of regulation, emphasising the need for legal frameworks to protect consumers, particularly the most vulnerable, in the evolving AI landscape. Although the US’s approach to AI regulation may differ, with expectations of less legislative action, the UK and EU maintain an edge by closely monitoring developments, despite potential opportunities for US firms due to their regulatory environment.
Artificial intelligence presents a unique opportunity to transform access to justice in the UK, bridging gaps and fostering inclusivity. With strategic government involvement and regulatory support, the appropriate use of AI could democratise legal access and empower individuals nationwide.
