New guide navigates AI challenges for Scottish solicitors

A new guide has been launched to help Scottish solicitors navigate the growing range of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) products while avoiding potential risks posed to their businesses and clients.

The Law Society of Scotland has developed the “Guide to Generative AI” in association with AI legal platform Wordsmith.

Experts from the Law Society’s Technology Law and Practice Committee have contributed to the guide to provide information on questions such as:

• How reliable is work produced using AI in terms of accuracy and quality?
• How can client confidentiality and firm security be protected when using AI?
• Is client consent required before a firm uses AI?
• Should firm insurance cover be reviewed if using AI?

Stuart Munro, Technology Law and Practice Committee member, said: “Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform the way legal services are provided, so it’s important that solicitors are properly informed to decide whether it should be playing a role in their businesses.

“Generative AI can answer questions, complete tasks and otherwise support the work of solicitors more quickly than anything we’ve seen before. However, like any new system or technology, it does come with risks.

“There’s been widespread adoption of AI solutions by larger firms and it’s important that smaller businesses understand that this technology is also accessible to them. All users need to understand the specific benefits and the risks that must be managed.

“This is a rapidly changing area, with a growing number of products and solutions being specifically developed for the legal sector. We are keeping a close eye as AI evolves and will continue to update this guide to ensure it’s relevant.”