Legal world embraces AI for access to justice
Tools powered by AI are helping legal advisors assist vulnerable clients, cutting through complex disputes efficiently while addressing concerns about accuracy and the importance of human oversight in decision-making.

AI is revolutionising the legal field, offering solutions to improve fairness and reduce costs in the justice system. Tools powered by AI are being used to streamline tasks like analysing evidence, drafting contracts, and preparing cases. Organisations like the Westway Trust in London are adopting AI to assist clients with complex disputes, such as benefits appeals and housing issues. These tools save hours of work, enabling paralegals to focus on providing better support.
The technology has sparked excitement and debate among legal professionals. AI models are being developed to help barristers identify inconsistencies in real-time court transcripts and assist judges with evidence analysis. Advocates argue that AI could make justice more accessible, while reducing the burden on legal practitioners and cutting costs for clients. However, concerns about accuracy and bias persist, with experts emphasising the importance of human oversight.
Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls, underscores the need for AI to complement, not replace, human judges. Guidelines stress transparency in AI use and the responsibility of lawyers to verify outputs. While tools like ChatGPT can provide general advice, professionals caution against relying on non-specialised AI for legal matters. Experts believe that AI will play a crucial role in addressing the fairness gap in the justice system without compromising the rule of law.