Lawyers Urged to Uphold Integrity Amid AI Concerns

LONDON, England — Lawrence Akka KC, Chair of the Bar Council IT panel, addressed the growing concern over fake case-law citations in court caused by misuse of AI technology.

In his response to a recent article, Akka emphasized the public’s right to demand the highest standards of integrity from legal professionals. This statement follows Dame Victoria Sharp’s urgent plea for the Bar Council and solicitors to confront the issue of AI misuse promptly.

Akka spotlighted a recent high court judgment that warned about the dangers posed by lawyers using large language models. He pointed out that the misuse of such AI tools could seriously undermine public confidence in the justice system.

“The public is entitled to expect from legal professionals the highest standards of integrity and competence in understanding and using new technologies,” Akka stated. He stressed that this includes adherence to ethical standards in all areas of practice.

The Bar Council has taken proactive steps by issuing guidance about the opportunities and risks associated with generative AI. This guidance was referenced in the court’s recent discussions.

Furthermore, the Bar Council is collaborating with the Bar Standards Board to establish a joint working group focused on supporting barristers. The aim is to ensure they receive appropriate training and supervision to maintain these standards.

Akka’s remarks highlight a critical moment for the legal profession as it navigates the challenges posed by emerging technologies in the pursuit of justice.