A recent BBC article shone a light on the use of AI large language models in legal work. By now, we’re all aware of tools like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and others like them. For many, they’re potent aids that help them save time and be more efficient.
But is there a danger when we start to use these platforms for things that have historically required a skilled and knowledgeable professional?
At Gorvins, we’ve been following the evolution of AI in the legal sector with interest. While it can be a handy tool for research, one thing is clear: AI is no substitute for the knowledge, experience, and judgment of a trained legal professional.
In this blog, we’ll examine some of the claims of the BBC article and explain the dangers of relying on AI tools over a qualified legal professional.
AI in legal work
The BBC article references a recent study by global law firm Linklaters, where they tested various AI models to assess their ability to answer complex English law questions. The results showed that the newest AI models performed significantly better than their predecessors, demonstrating that there is good progress being made on the AI platforms. However, they still fell well below the level of even a junior lawyer.
In particular, the research demonstrated that AI tools, despite their advancements, still struggle with:
- Accuracy: Even the best AI models made mistakes, omitted key details, and in some cases, completely fabricated citations
- Contextual understanding: Law is based on precedent, nuance, and ever-changing interpretations, and AI frequently misapplies legal principles
- Critical thinking: AI can process large amounts of data, but it cannot assess risks, negotiate, or adapt to unique client situations in the way a qualified lawyer can.
The danger of relying upon AI in legal work
One of the takeaways from the Linklaters research is that there is a big risk in relying on AI to accomplish legal tasks, particularly as the complexity of the case increases. It may well be the case that AI is improving, but relying on it without human oversight puts you at risk. Likewise, for a lawyer using AI platforms for client work, it not only puts clients at risk but the reputation of the legal firm too.
AI platforms can assist in legal research, but they cannot replace legal professionals who:
- Understand the intricacies of the law beyond surface-level text
- Provide strategic legal advice tailored to specific client needs
- Apply ethical and professional judgment, which AI lacks entirely
- Navigate the human aspect of law, including negotiations, advocacy, and client representation.
Our corporate team recently saw a contract a client passed on that had been generated using AI. This related to the sale of shares in a limited company from one individual to another which named the individual buying the shares as the “buyer” and the company whose shares were being sold as “the seller”. The individual selling the shares (the actual seller) was not actually named as a party to the contract – where asking “who are the parties to the contract” is pretty much the first fundamental question that should be asked before even putting pen to paper on the contract itself!
The Gorvins approach
At Gorvins LLP, you can always rest assured that any legal work we undertake for you is done so through qualified, knowledgeable and experienced humans. As our clients, you deserve advice that’s accurate, reliable, and grounded in years of training and experience—not generated by an algorithm with no accountability.
We believe that:
- The human element of law—understanding clients, providing tailored advice, and ensuring justice—is irreplaceable
- AI tools, while improving, are still not capable of producing legally sound work without substantial expert human oversight
- Our clients rely on expertise, judgment, and strategic thinking, which AI simply cannot provide.
The bottom Line
AI may continue to evolve, but for now, and the foreseeable future, it isn’t a replacement for a trained legal professional. At Gorvins, we remain committed to delivering expert legal services via our team of experienced human lawyers.
Whatever your legal requirements, Gorvins Solicitors have legal professionals ready to take your query and listen to your needs with empathy and understanding.
To get help today, contact us by calling 0161 930 5151, emailing enquiries@gorvins.com or filling in the online form.