Unapproved AI use is widespread in UK law firms

Recent research conducted by Access Legal has unveiled a concerning trend within UK law firms: 59% of fee earners, including solicitors, legal executives, and paralegals, confess to using unapproved AI applications for client work. This revelation comes shortly after the Upper Tribunal delivered a landmark ruling in Munir v Secretary of State for the Home Department, which confirmed that the use of such unapproved tools permanently waives legal professional privilege and breaches client confidentiality. The study, undertaken by independent research firm Censuswide in April 2026, surveyed 200 legal professionals, encompassing 100 firm leaders and 100 practitioners, thus spotlighting a palpable disconnect with serious regulatory implications.

Despite a significant portion of fee earners engaging with unapproved AI, firm leaders appear largely in the dark; 68% express confidence in their visibility of AI usage in their firms, believing they face "zero risk" of unapproved applications being employed. According to legal experts, the implications of the Tribunal's findings cannot be overlooked, as they mandate reporting such breaches to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Information Commissioner's Office. There exists a fundamental oversight in compliance: while 59% of fee earners report the use of these tools, firm leaders have a duty of supervision as outlined in the SRA Code of Conduct, posing significant risks to both ethics and legal exposure.

Andrew Stevens, General Manager at Access Legal, remarked, "What has surprised us is the sheer volume of legal professionals who are using unapproved AI tools and the fact the research strongly indicates a significant portion of leaders are unaware." This lack of awareness underscores the gap between the leaders' perception and the reality on the ground, with 71% of paralegals and 57% of solicitors utilising unapproved AI to manage their workload, thereby reinforcing the notion that the temptation and pressure to employ such tools are intensifying.

The Munir ruling has essentially eliminated the uncertainty surrounding "Shadow AI"—using unapproved tools for legal work—and reinforced the urgent need for law firms to address these challenges head-on. Andrew elaborated further, "Firms that want to get ahead of this need to act on two fronts." He emphasised the importance of equipping staff with approved, secure tools that fulfil their job requirements and fostering a culture of transparency regarding tools in use.

Furthermore, external pressures continue to heighten challenges for law firms. Additional research conducted by Access Legal in late 2025 showed that half of clients now expect AI to play a role in their cases, with this figure rising to 58% among younger clients. For fee earners without access to approved tools, this only increases the allure of unapproved options. The Munir ruling does not reject AI's role in the legal landscape but mandates its responsible use, compelling firms to adopt compliant tools rather than turning to insecure alternatives.

To assist in navigating the complexities surrounding Shadow AI, Access Legal's AI risk hub offers valuable guidance and practical tools for law firms determined to mitigate their exposure and ensure compliance. As the legal landscape evolves, it is evident that proactive measures are essential for firms to remain accountable and safeguarded against the risks associated with unapproved AI usage.