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The legal profession is no stranger to change but today’s pace of digital transformation is testing even the most experienced barristers. Recent insights show that over a third (36%) believe their chambers are too slow to respond to change. Nearly half (48%) say that simply keeping up with developments in the law is a significant challenge. It’s not just legislation that’s shifting, the legal environment is being reshaped by emerging technologies, evolving client expectations, and mounting operational pressures. Barristers are finding themselves under pressure to navigate a landscape that demands agility without sacrificing their expertise. For many, the question is no longer whether change is necessary but how to respond without compromising the very principles that set the Bar apart.

This blog explores the pressures barristers are facing and how they can navigate them effectively, particularly in light of developments in legal technology.

Addressing privacy and accuracy concerns with AI in law

Technology especially artificial intelligence holds immense promise for the legal profession, but it also brings real concerns that barristers can’t ignore. One in three identify adapting to new technology as one of their organisation’s biggest upcoming challenges, and 68% have yet to take any steps toward integrating AI into their work. The hesitation is understandable. In a profession where accuracy and confidentiality are non-negotiable, the risks associated with AI, such as hallucinated outputs or the potential for data breaches, are acute.

In our most recent report: A barrister's guide to innovating the client experience, we spoke to barristers about their concerns with AI. Stephen Glynn of Deka Chambers emphasised that in “Looking at how AI can assist us with document analysis and management” their “clients’ privacy concerns in terms of data processing” is the main concern. Likewise, Robin Allen from Cloisters stresses the importance of understanding guidance from regulators such as the ICO, Bar Standards Board, and Equality and Human Rights Commission before engaging with bespoke systems.

For barristers, the question isn’t just what AI can do but whether it can do so without compromising the trust and integrity that underpin their practice. This is the heart of responsible AI adoption in legal services. Legal solutions like Lexis+ AI are built with RELX responsible AI practices, designed to protect user privacy and remove unconscious bias.

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How can barristers choose the right legal technology?

In an environment saturated with new tools and platforms, the challenge for barristers lies in how choose the right legal tech solution. The pressure to keep pace with digital transformation can lead to rushed decisions or half-hearted adoption of technologies that don’t actually address core problems. Instead, innovation should start by pinpointing the areas where inefficiencies create the most pressure, whether in legal research, document drafting, or communication with clients. Understanding client expectations is key to guiding these efforts effectively. In a ��˾����ҹ���� January 2025 survey, barristers identified cost-effectiveness (74%), responsiveness and agility (55%), and specialist expertise (62%) as the top client priorities. Beyond operational goals, these are strategic benchmarks for barristers to review.

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But beyond legal technology itself, the bigger challenge lies in shifting organisational culture and mindset. Successful innovation requires chambers to demonstrate an openness to change, encourage experimentation, and accept that not every new tool will be an instant success. Sean Brannigan reveals the approach of 4 Pump Court: “We have some sector experts in our members and clerks’ team. We work closely with them to identify the market leading products and to test them. We are often approached as a result with new ideas but put them through our ‘star chamber’ before we allow them to be used widely within chambers.” This approach balances healthy scepticism with a willingness to pilot new legal solutions.

Without a cultural foundation of openness, even the most promising technologies risk being underused or rejected outright, leaving barristers stuck between the demands of modernisation and the comfort of familiar routines. Iain Quirk from Essex Court Chambers shares that Barristers can help with this by “Embracing technology and by encouraging more efficient processes.”

How to measure the real impact of AI on legal practice

Ultimately, the true test of innovation lies in its impact on barristers and their clients. Technology, especially AI, should not be adopted simply for the sake of modernisation but must demonstrate clear value in improving case efficiency, accuracy, and client service. Barristers like Iain Quirk KC highlight that success will be measured by tangible results: “Ultimately, barristers are (rightly) judged on whether they win cases. If AI helps to win a case... that will be the best metric by which to judge the effectiveness of AI for barristers.” Beyond case outcomes, innovation should also contribute to the wellbeing of legal professionals. By reducing repetitive administrative tasks, AI can support a healthier work-life balance, allowing barristers to focus on the aspects of their work that require their unique expertise and passion. To ensure these benefits are realised, chambers should implement ongoing evaluation through regular feedback, surveys, and satisfaction reviews, methods Allen recommends capturing meaningful insights from members. This continuous cycle of assessment and adaptation helps chambers refine their legal technology strategy to maximise both professional success and personal fulfilment.

Conclusion

Embracing change is no longer optional for barristers. As the legal landscape rapidly evolves with new laws and technology, chambers like Deka, Cloisters, and Essex Court are setting the pace as forward-thinking leaders of innovation. By aligning technology adoption with client priorities, fostering a culture open to experimentation, and continuously measuring real-world impact, barristers can unlock the true potential of tools like AI in legal practice.

Read the full innovation report.