Skip to content 
Artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT can produce letters, summarise documents and answer legal questions within seconds. For individuals and businesses facing legal problems, the attraction is obvious: AI appears quick, convenient and inexpensive.
However, a convincing answer is not necessarily a correct answer. While generative AI can be useful for general research and administrative support, relying on it as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor can expose you to serious legal and commercial risks.
Can ChatGPT give legal advice?
AI tools can provide general legal information. For example, they may explain legal terminology, suggest issues to consider or produce a basic first draft of a document.
The problem is that an AI-generated response is not regulated legal advice. ChatGPT does not act as your solicitor, does not owe you professional duties and does not automatically understand all the facts relevant to your circumstances.
An answer may sound authoritative while being:
- legally incorrect;
- based on outdated legislation;
- drawn from the wrong jurisdiction;
- missing an important exception;
- unsuitable for your particular circumstances; or
- supported by cases or authorities that do not exist.
This is especially dangerous in England and Wales, where the correct legal position may depend on legislation, case law, contractual wording, court procedure and the specific facts of the matter.
AI can produce false legal information
Generative AI systems work by predicting likely words and phrases. They do not verify every answer in the same way that a solicitor is expected to verify legal authorities, evidence and procedural requirements.
This means an AI system may “hallucinate”: it may invent a case, quotation, legal principle or factual detail and present it as genuine.
A fabricated legal authority can cause significant problems. It may weaken negotiations, damage credibility or lead to incorrect documents being submitted to a court, tribunal or other organisation.
AI may use the wrong law
One of the most common risks is jurisdictional confusion.
A search about “employment law”, “copyright”, “divorce” or “company law” may produce information based on American, Canadian, Australian or European law rather than the law of England and Wales.
Even where an answer refers to English law, it may fail to account for:
- recent legislative changes;
- differences between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland;
- contractual provisions that alter the position;
- limitation periods;
- procedural rules;
- sector-specific regulation; or
- the distinction between general legal principles and the remedy available in practice.
A solicitor will identify the relevant jurisdiction and consider how the law applies to the available evidence.
There may be confidentiality and data-protection risks
Before entering information into an AI platform, consider what you are disclosing.
People may copy commercially sensitive agreements, correspondence, personal information, medical records or details of a dispute into a publicly available AI tool without understanding how that information will be processed.
This can create risks involving:
- confidentiality;
- legal professional privilege;
- personal data;
- trade secrets;
- intellectual property;
- contractual non-disclosure obligations; and
- cybersecurity.
You should avoid entering confidential or personally identifiable information into a general AI system unless you understand the platform’s terms, privacy controls and data-retention arrangements.
For businesses, employees using unapproved AI tools can create additional compliance risks. A clear internal AI policy should explain which systems may be used, what information must not be uploaded and when human review is required.
Can AI draft a contract or legal letter?
AI can produce a document that looks professional, but appearance is not the same as legal protection.
A generic contract may omit provisions dealing with:
- payment and late-payment consequences;
- intellectual-property ownership;
- software licensing;
- confidentiality;
- data protection;
- service levels;
- warranties;
- limitations of liability;
- termination rights;
- dispute resolution; and
- governing law and jurisdiction.
The correct wording will depend on the transaction, bargaining position, industry and risks involved.
Similarly, an AI-generated legal letter may contain admissions, make unrealistic demands or adopt an unnecessarily aggressive tone. It could also overlook a relevant deadline or unintentionally harm the sender’s position.
AI may assist with an initial draft, but important legal documents should be reviewed by an appropriately qualified lawyer before they are signed or sent.
Does this mean lawyers should not use AI?
No. AI can be a valuable tool when used responsibly.
Law firms may use technology to assist with document review, research, administration, contract analysis and other routine tasks. Properly supervised technology may help legal professionals work more efficiently and improve the delivery of legal services.
The essential safeguards are human judgment, professional accountability and verification. A regulated solicitor remains responsible for the advice given to the client.
When should you speak to a solicitor?
Professional legal advice is particularly important where:
- substantial money, property or business assets are involved;
- you have received a court claim or formal legal notice;
- a deadline is approaching;
- you are entering or terminating an important contract;
- intellectual-property rights are disputed;
- your business is facing a shareholder or director dispute;
- confidential information has been disclosed;
- litigation is being considered; or
- an incorrect decision could have long-term consequences.
Early advice often provides more options. Waiting until a dispute has escalated can increase the cost and difficulty of resolving it.
The sensible approach: use AI as a tool, not as your lawyer
AI can help you understand basic concepts, organise information and prepare questions for a solicitor. It should not be treated as a reliable substitute for advice based on your documents and circumstances.
Before acting on an AI-generated legal answer, ask:
- Is this definitely the law of England and Wales?
- Is the information current?
- Are the cited cases and legislation genuine?
- Has the answer considered all the relevant facts?
- Could acting on it affect my rights, deadlines or financial position?
- Has a qualified professional checked it?
Where the consequences matter, obtaining proper legal advice remains the safer course.
