Generative AI and the future of the Bar

Generative AI is anticipated by many to completely transform the practice of the law. As you read this, no doubt lawyers at large law firms, boutique outfits and FTSE 350 organisations are brainstorming new ways to take full advantage of this rapidly growing technology.

Yet how exactly will the likes of ChatGPT impact the working lives of barristers?

LexisNexis recently surveyed over 1,000+ lawyers and legal professionals throughout the UK - and 153 of these respondents came from the Bar.

We've captured the responses from barristers below - but for a full overview of how the legal sector is responding to generative AI, download our report.

Download: Generative AI and the future of the legal profession

Most barristers believe generative AI will transform the practice of law

84% of legal professionals in the public sector are aware of generative AI (89% for all respondents).

88% believe generative AI will have a noticeable impact on the law.

Adoption of open source generative AI tools has been slow

Only 32% of barristers have used open source generative AI tools in a personal or professional capacity.

6% of barristers currently use open source generative AI tools at least once a month (in-house lawyers are the biggest users).

Many are concerned of the risks of open generative AI tools

61% feel mixed about open source generative AI tools, admitting they can see the positives and drawbacks.

89% have ethical concerns regarding open source generative AI tools on the practice of the law.

But some are investigating how they can safely use generative AI tools

20% said their workplace is researching and exploring opportunities to use generative AI – this rises to 39% when considering responses from all lawyers, and to 64% when looking at responses from large law firms .