Legal sector chosen as first participant in Government AI ‘sandbox’ programme

The Ministry of Justice said the programme would support innovation and help improve access to justice for the public by enabling faster and more affordable services, while maintaining quality.

The so-called 'AI Growth Lab' programme - which will open to applications from legal technology companies, legal services providers and conveyancing firms this summer - will bring together a number of the sector's regulators to address challenges around AI, the Government said.

These regulators include the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Information Commissioner’s Office and the Legal Services Board.

They will work with “innovators” to surface and address cross-regulatory challenges, identify any unintended barriers in regulators’ rules, and build a clearer picture of what good regulatory oversight of AI looks like in practice, according to the Government.

The SRA said the Government-funded initiative will provide the opportunity for innovators to responsibly test AI products within existing regulatory frameworks.

Its Chief Executive, Sarah Rapson, said: “AI is already transforming legal services, from enabling small businesses to recover debts, to helping consumers navigate complex legal processes.

"These tools are improving access to justice in a practical and meaningful way. The lab will accelerate this progress, supporting the growth of legal services that benefit the public, and that maintain the high professional standards that underpin trust in the legal profession."

Tony Randle, Director of Client Tech and Service Improvement at law firm Shoosmiths, welcomed the announcement, noting that clearer guidance would "empower innovators and adopters to navigate complex frameworks more confidently anad help unlock new opportunities".

Rafie Faruq, CEO and Co-founder of Genie AI meanwhile said clear regulatory support is essential to responsible AI innovation in industries like the legal sector.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will be collaborating with the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Legal Services Board (LSB) to work with innovators on cross-regulatory challenges.

William Malcolm, Executive Director for Regulatory Risk and Innovation for the ICO said: "Supporting responsible AI innovation is a priority and a duty for the ICO. We recognise the critical role that initiatives like the Advisory AI Growth Lab play in driving both economic growth and public trust in technology adoption.

“It's essential that legal firms and businesses can navigate data protection requirements with confidence as they seek to make legal services more efficient and effective for people. This pilot will help the sector access the new opportunities AI brings while providing assurance to the public that regulatory standards are met.

“We look forward to working with DSIT, the CLC, the SRA and the LSB to find practical solutions that remove roadblocks while ensuring that people’s rights are respected.”

Adam Carey