Barristers are more reluctant than solicitors to take up new technology, the Bar Standards Board has revealed. A report published today, Technology and Innovation at the Bar, identifies  ‘significant barriers’ to the effective adoption of technologies such as large language model artificial intelligence. 

The study, which included a literature review and interviews with stakeholders as well as practitioners, found ‘unlike law firms, there is limited centralisation of documents and data, and therefore less benefit to implementation’. It added: ‘Law firms can quickly see the relevance of an AI [large language model] tool improving when it works across a single large database of legal content whereas barristers don’t have a large central data repository on which to train and test LLMs.

‘Unsurprisingly, participants see the majority of investment in technology in legal services being undertaken by commercial law firms, as barristers’ chambers face some challenges in terms of the economics. Overall, stakeholders and participants agree that the use of technology at the bar is less advanced when compared with large law firms.’

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‘Cautious’ use of AI, the report says, is helping ‘reduce the time spent on more routine tasks’. For many, however, 'the independent and practice-area-specific nature of the profession, with self-employed barristers working on their own devices in their own individual ways, according to their own autonomous workflow, limits the drive for change. The perception is that there is limited potential for efficiency gains.

‘As the legal landscape continues to evolve, it will be essential for barristers to overcome current barriers to stay competitive. Embracing technology and seeking efficiencies where appropriate is a way that barristers can drive a better and more efficient service for clients.’

The report's recommendations to the regulator include encouraging collaboration and standardisation, educating and informing barristers with a list of technology providers as well as guidance on how to adopt technology and providing a roadmap for development and implementation of technology at the bar.

Mark Neale, the BSB’s director general, said: ‘Technology is developing quickly, and we need to help the profession to adapt to the risks and opportunities that this brings. We have discussed the findings of this report with the Bar Council. Both organisations recognise the need to work together to understand developments in technology at the bar and to support the safe adoption of new technology.'

He said the regulator and Bar Council have agreed to set up a joint working group to share information about technology.