The regulator published a warning notice this week as AI becomes increasingly embedded in legal research, drafting, document review and administrative work. While acknowledging the technology’s potential to improve efficiency and consumer services, the SRA said inadequate oversight could result in inaccurate information, confidentiality breaches and harm to consumers.
Among the regulator’s key concerns are AI-generated “hallucinations” appearing in legal research, advice, analysis and court submissions, as well as confidential client information being entered into AI tools without appropriate safeguards.
Aileen Armstrong, SRA Executive Director Strategy and Policy, said firms and solicitors must have appropriate oversight and controls in place. She stressed that individuals remain responsible for their work and advice regardless of whether AI has been used.
The warning comes after the SRA received 42 reports concerning potential AI misuse between July 2025 and July 2026. It has ongoing investigations involving inaccurate legal citations, supervision and confidentiality. The regulator also expanded its guidance on effective supervision in June to address AI use.
The notice forms part of the SRA’s wider work on responsible AI adoption. It is participating in the government’s Advisory AI Growth Lab and plans to strengthen its Innovate programme under its proposed 2026/27 business plan.
Commenting on the notice, Law Society of England and Wales vice president Brett Dixon, said: “We welcome the SRA’s warning notice and the clarity the guidance provides around how the use of AI interacts with the provision of legal services by solicitors, particularly in relation to the courts and the protection of client confidentiality.
“As a regulated profession, solicitors have the responsibility to act in the best interests of their client, which includes using AI and other technologies responsibly. The warning notice is a reminder of how this should be applied in practice.
“Technological innovation in legal processes and service delivery is advancing at speed. As the use of AI evolves rapidly, the SRA will need to continue providing the profession with swift and clear guidance so solicitors can use AI with confidence in line with their duties.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement with the SRA to help solicitors navigate this everchanging landscape.”
