AI at work, by industry · Solicitors, trainees, paralegals, legal executives, legal secretaries and practice managers
AI in legal practice: the SRA's warning, citations and client confidentiality
What the regulator now expects, why an unchecked citation ends careers, and what never goes into a public tool.
- 2modules
- 1.5CPD hours
- 90guided minutes
- Freeto study
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About this course
On 17 August 2026 the Solicitors Regulation Authority published a warning notice on the misuse of AI. It followed a run of cases in which documents put before courts contained authorities that did not exist, and it is blunt: you remain accountable for all work and advice delivered to clients, whether or not AI has been used, and reliance on an AI output is not a defence.
The notice names two concerns. False or inaccurate material, including invented case citations, in documents for a court. And confidential client information entered into public or insufficiently secured AI systems, which risks both a data protection breach and the loss of legal professional privilege.
This course sets out what the notice requires of individuals, supervisors and firms, with the cases behind it, and a working routine for verification. It is written for everyone in a firm who touches a document, not only the fee earner who signs it.
What you will be able to do
- State what the SRA's warning notice of August 2026 says and to whom it applies
- Explain why reliance on an AI output is not a defence
- Verify every authority before it goes into a document
- Describe what the court said in Ayinde and what courts now do
- Explain the supervisor's exposure when a junior's work contains false citations
- Explain why client information in a public AI tool risks privilege
- State the safeguards that must be in place before client data enters an AI system
- Describe what a firm's compliance officer should have in place
Modules
Assessment and certificate
Knowledge check after each module and a final assessment at 80 per cent, with unlimited attempts.
A digital certificate, issued the moment you have passed and paid, showing 1.5 CPD hours with a verification code. It evidences knowledge of the regulatory position on AI in legal practice. It is not a regulated qualification, it is not legal advice, and it is not endorsed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Law Society. Whether it meets your continuing competence needs is for you to judge.
Questions
Has the SRA banned the use of AI?
No. The warning notice of 17 August 2026 is about misuse. It says you remain accountable for all work and advice delivered to clients whether or not AI was used in its preparation, and that if you fail to have proper regard to the notice you are at risk of disciplinary action.
If an AI tool invented a case and I did not know, am I responsible?
Yes. The notice says reliance on an output of AI would not be a suitable defence, and that you should be assured that all named authorities are genuine, relevant, have a verifiable citation and advance the argument. Courts have said a reference to the regulator is likely to be appropriate where false citations are placed before them.
Can I put client details into a public AI tool if I remove the name?
The notice says client information should only be entered into AI systems where appropriate contractual, technical and organisational safeguards are in place. The Upper Tribunal has observed that putting confidential information into a public AI tool places it in the public domain, with a risk to privilege. Removing a name does not change that.
I only prepare the bundles. Does this apply to me?
Yes. The firm is responsible for the work of everyone in it, and supervisors may be found in breach if false citations reach a court without adequate review. If you use an AI tool in preparing a document, say so to the person supervising you.