Most lawyers now using generative AI or plan to, survey says

Four out of five UK lawyers (82%) are currently using or have plans to use generative artificial intelligence (AI), according to new data from LexisNexis.

The company said the number of law firms reportedly using the technology has almost quadrupled in a little over a year, with users jumping from 11% in July 2023 to 41% in September 2024.

Generative AI is a subcategory of AI that can generate novel content such as text, images, audio or video.

In a legal context, the technology can be used to streamline routine and administrative tasks like legal research, document review, and contract analysis.

LexisNexis, which surveyed more than 800 legal professionals in the UK & Ireland, found that the percentage of lawyers planning to use generative AI also jumped from 28% to 41% over the same time period.

The data show that large law firms are the most likely to have "made a change to drive AI forward," at 78%.

"There has also been a stark rise in activity taking place inside corporate in-house legal teams, jumping from 47% earlier this year to 74%," the report added.

"This was also true with the bar, rising from 8% to 32% throughout the year."

Seventy-one per cent of lawyers cited delivering work faster as a key benefit of AI, followed by an improved client service (54%) and a competitive advantage (53%). 

Despite increasing adoption rates, the survey found that three-quarters (76%) of UK legal professionals are concerned about inaccurate or fabricated information from public-access generative AI platforms.

Concerns about over-reliance (50%), leaking confidential (49%) information and accidental bias (43%) also featured in the survey responses.

The report said: “The legal market is undergoing a significant transformation, with firms embracing AI to streamline operations and enhance service delivery while grappling with the challenges of maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical standards.

“Those firms that effectively navigate this transition and leverage AI's capabilities while upholding professional integrity are likely to gain a competitive edge in the evolving legal landscape.”

Adam Carey