24 April 2026

Issue: 8158 / Categories: Legal News , Training & education , Artificial intelligence , Technology , Career focus , Profession

NLJ this week: AI skills gap exposed in solicitor exams

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping day-to-day legal work, but are qualification rules lagging behind? In NLJ this week, Dr Alan Ma of Birmingham City University argues the SQE ignores a crucial modern skill: ‘digital judgement’

While AI is now ‘operational’ in legal practice, the exam remains technology-neutral, failing to test risks like ‘fabricated authority’ or misuse of client data. Core duties—competence, confidentiality, supervision and integrity—are increasingly shaped by AI tools, demanding scepticism and verification.

Without formal assessment, firms shoulder the burden of training, risking uneven standards.

Ma calls for reform to embed AI awareness so solicitors can interrogate outputs, not just produce them.

Issue: 8158 / Categories: Legal News , Training & education , Artificial intelligence , Technology , Career focus , Profession

AI is everywhere—except in the SQE

NLJ this week: AI skills gap exposed in solicitor exams

Without formal assessment, firms shoulder the burden of training, risking uneven standards.

Ma calls for reform to embed AI awareness so solicitors can interrogate outputs, not just produce them.

Issue: 8158 / Categories: Legal News , Training & education , Artificial intelligence , Technology , Career focus , Profession

AI is everywhere—except in the SQE

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NLJ this week: AI skills gap exposed in solicitor exams

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42BR Barristers—4 Brick Court

Winckworth Sherwood—Rubianka Winspear

Gateley Legal—Daniel Walsh