Lawyers risk being sued for failing to use AI

11 hours ago

Lawyers in the UK may face negligence claims for not using AI tools if a reasonable professional in their position would have used them, according to a UK Jurisdiction Taskforce statement.
The statement highlights potential liability for incorrect AI use, such as failing to vet tools, explain AI to clients, secure data, or identify output errors, as well as for companies regarding AI chatbots representing them.
It provides examples, including a solicitor failing to advise on AI-assisted document review, a radiologist not using AI for tumor detection, and an auditor skipping AI for large-scale anomaly detection.
Critics argue that mandating AI use creates a double bind where lawyers are liable both for not using AI and for any undetected AI errors, undermining human judgment and risking inefficiency if tools produce inaccuracies.
The taskforce, a government-backed body, aims to clarify how English law applies to new technologies, with previous statements on cryptoassets and smart contracts adopted by courts, while firms invest in AI tools like contract review platforms.

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