As a law firm, we are seeing more people turn to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT when dealing with legal issues. You might use it to draft emails, research your rights, or try to understand complex processes before speaking to a solicitor. While being informed is helpful, relying on AI without professional guidance can sometimes lead to confusion, particularly during processes like conveyancing.
Recent surveys suggest that roughly one-third of people have used generative AI tools like ChatGPT, and of those, nearly half report using them for legal research or advice. Meanwhile, more and more lawyers are integrating AI into their work, showing how widely these tools are now being used in legal matters.
AI can be a useful support tool. Used thoughtfully, it can help you stay organised, prepare information efficiently, and understand legal processes more quickly. However, it cannot replace professional legal advice. Relying solely on AI can carry risks, including incorrect information, missing context, and privacy issues.
How people are using AI for legal matters
Many people use AI to draft emails to their solicitor, employer, or landlord. Others use it to explain legal terms, understand court procedures, or research their rights in family, employment, or property matters. AI is also sometimes used to create timelines of events or summaries of complex situations, and some even attempt to draft contracts, settlement proposals, or witness statements.
Most of the time, these actions are well-intentioned. Being informed and organised can help you engage more confidently with your legal matter. At its best, AI helps you gather your thoughts and express concerns clearly.
Where AI can mislead you
AI is not a lawyer and cannot replace professional judgement. It cannot understand nuance, evolving case law, jurisdiction-specific rules, or the wider context of your situation. Common risks include:
Incorrect or over-generalised advice
AI generates responses based on patterns rather than legal expertise. Advice may be outdated, from the wrong jurisdiction, or omit important exceptions. AI often sounds confident, which can make you think the guidance is reliable even when it is not.
Missing context
Legal outcomes depend heavily on facts. AI responses are only as accurate as the information provided, so key details may be overlooked, which could impact your case.
False sense of certainty
AI can make answers sound clear-cut, even when the law is rarely black and white. This may lead you to act prematurely or develop unrealistic expectations.
Privacy and confidentiality
Entering sensitive information into public AI tools carries privacy risks. Personal, financial, or family details may be shared outside a confidential environment. Unlike communications with a solicitor, AI does not offer legal professional privilege, so you lose control over how your information is stored or used.
How a solicitor can help
AI can be helpful for drafting non-technical emails, organising your thoughts, creating timelines, and summarising documents. But a solicitor adds value by interpreting the law in the context of your situation, identifying risks, correcting misunderstandings, and ensuring confidentiality.
Talking to a solicitor about the limits of AI can help you use these tools safely and make better-informed decisions.
Looking ahead
AI is changing how people interact with legal services. Used thoughtfully, it can support clearer communication, better preparation, and more efficient case management. However, it cannot replace professional judgement, experience, or accountability.
The future of legal matters is not AI versus lawyers. It is AI alongside solicitors, helping you navigate complexity, risk, and decision-making in ways technology alone cannot.
If you are using AI tools for your legal matters, treat them as a starting point only and seek tailored advice before taking action.
Thinking of using AI for your legal matters? Speak to a solicitor first to make sure your approach is accurate, safe, and tailored to your situation. Contact us today on: 01403 456430 to get expert legal advice.