Lawyers warned they carry the can for juniors using AI

Lawyers have been warned they remain accountable for supervising AI use within their law firm, particularly when junior employees are operating the technology. The Law Society, an independent body that represents solicitors in England and Wales, issued new guidance on Wednesday setting out the appropriate use of AI in legal work, meaning lawyers cannot blame the technology or junior employees for any mistakes it makes. The guidance states that lawyers professional duties and obligations apply in the same way whether AI or other technologies were used by the solicitor themselves or by anyone under that solicitor’s supervision to assist with that work. Vice-Chair of the City of London Law Society s AI Committee Kerry Westland, told City AM that while AI has significant potential to support lawyers at every level it does not displace firms’ existing duties of competence, supervision and accountability. “Firms will need to ensure that junior lawyers are trained