One in three would choose robot lawyers

A major new survey conducted by Robin AI has uncovered profound levels of distrust towards the legal profession. The findings indicate that only 1 in 10 respondents in the UK and US fully trusts law firms, with many expressing a willingness to embrace AI-powered legal services, provided human supervision is involved. The survey, conducted by Perspectus Global, involved a representative sample of 4,152 participants from both countries.

The results show that while 30% of respondents would entertain the idea of a robot lawyer — defined as an AI system acting autonomously — this willingness hinges on the presence of a human. On average, participants suggested they would require a discount of 57% to consider choosing an AI lawyer over a traditional one. In terms of trust, merely 4% felt confident enough to depend on AI for legal advice independently, while a majority opted for either traditional lawyers (69%) or those who use AI as a supportive tool (27%).

“The legal industry needs serious reform,” said Richard Robinson, CEO and Founder of Robin AI. “People want faster, cheaper legal help, but not at the expense of human judgment. We’re doubling down on building AI to work alongside lawyers, not instead of them, as a result of this survey.” The data also illuminates a divide in the types of legal tasks respondents are comfortable with AI handling.

Most participants expressed greater confidence in AI for administrative tasks, such as reviewing rental agreements (49%), writing wills (47%), and challenging parking tickets (46%). However, support for AI dwindled significantly for more complex and emotionally charged issues like divorce (17%), redundancy disputes (17%), and criminal defence (11%). Interestingly, 68% expressed a desire for lawyers to utilise AI for error-checking or expediting processes, yet a notable 61% refrained from trusting AI in criminal law matters.

When examining motivations for using AI in legal services, respondents indicated that lower costs (47%), around-the-clock availability (35%), and speedier resolutions (35%) topped the list. Cost remains a crucial element in their decision-making, as they highlighted the need for substantial savings to consider AI lawyers as viable options.

This ongoing survey highlights a broader frustration with the legal system, which respondents characterised using terms like “expensive” (64%), “for rich people” (34%), “intimidating” (30%), and “elitist” (21%). Only a mere 10% deemed legal services as accessible to everyone, and just 23% believed quality services are attainable for the average individual. “The current legal system wasn’t built for speed, transparency or accessibility – it was built for those who could afford to wait, navigate the jargon, and pay the bill,” Robinson explained.

The research also points out notable discrepancies in attitudes towards legal AI between the UK and the US. While both markets share scepticism about relinquishing legal control to AI, respondents in the UK are more supportive of mandated AI safety or compliance training (82%) compared to their US counterparts (76%). Furthermore, US respondents were more likely to express trust in large corporate law firms (13%) compared to those in the UK (8%).

Despite these concerns, many survey participants recognised the potential for AI in the legal field, contingent on suitable regulations. A substantial 82% expressed a desire for lawyers to undertake safety or compliance training before employing AI tools. The advantages associated with legal AI included perceptions of affordability (47%), reduced bias (38%), increased accuracy (24%), and enhanced transparency (21%).

“People want something better, not just faster,” Robinson stated. “That’s why we believe in human-led AI: to increase access, without sacrificing accountability.” With this philosophy, Robin AI aims to strike a balance between innovation and trust, illustrating that the future of the legal sector may hinge on human oversight, regardless of AI's advancing capabilities. Robin AI is already utilised by 14 Fortune 500 members, assisting firms like UBS, GE, and KPMG in streamlining paperwork, allowing lawyers to concentrate on more complex tasks.