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30 April 2025
Issue: 8114 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Technology , Artificial intelligence , Legal services
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Barriers to tech adoption at the Bar

Barristers would like to use technology more effectively but face ‘significant’ barriers due to the unique characteristics of the profession, Bar Standards Board (BSB) research has found.

The individualised nature of self-employed barristers’ work, the absence of training, the tendency to rely on tried and trusted methods of working, and proliferation of niche areas of practice all act to inhibit tech adoption. Moreover, barristers are often too busy to try out tech, according to the BSB report, ‘Technology and innovation at the Bar research report’, published this week.

However, there has been ‘cautious’ adoption of artificial intelligence for document preparation, transcription and note-taking and use of Lexis+ AI for legal research.

BSB tech and innovation manager Henry Fingerhut said: ‘Use of technology can help to promote high quality, cost-effective legal services in an increasingly digital world.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Specialist associate solicitor rejoins Muckle’s leading employment team

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Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
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The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
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