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Change is nothing new for barristers but the speed at which AI is transforming legal practice is unprecedented. In just over two years, AI adoption has moved from a distant possibility to a present-day reality for most legal professionals. As artificial intelligence moves from concept to daily reality barristers face a fundamental shift in how they work, serve clients, and stay competitive.

The challenge today isn’t whether to use AI, it’s how to separate the tools that genuinely improve legal work from the noise of new technology. For those who get it right, AI offers an opportunity to gain a competitive edge in an increasingly tech-driven legal landscape. For those who don’t, the risks of falling behind and losing both clients and talent are very real.

This blog draws on other insights from our latest report, A Barrister’s Guide to Innovating the Client Experience to explore how AI is reshaping the Bar, and what barristers and chambers need to do to stay competitive.

AI is already shifting legal work

AI has quickly become a part of daily legal work. Around 75% of the legal sector has adopted AI tools in just over two years, signalling a shift from experimentation to essential practice. Other industries like IT (28%), marketing (18%), and client services (18%) have already transformed their operations through AI, setting a clear example for law to follow. Now, barristers face the challenge of embracing AI in ways that enhance their expertise rather than distract from it.

Barristers expect artificial intelligence it to become a fundamental part of their legal practice. More than half anticipate AI playing a central role in legal research and document review within 1-3 years. These tasks have traditionally consumed significant time and resources, signalling a shift where routine work may become automated.

At the same time, technology skills are becoming increasingly important, with 37% of barristers recognising that understanding AI and related tools will be essential to their future success. Legal expertise alone won’t be enough, both new and experienced barristers must build their tech fluency to stay relevant.

Robin Allen puts it into perspective, emphasising that AI training should be integrated into Continuing Practice Development: “This is one for now and for the years to come and no one should ignore how fast the changes are happening. It’s like the introduction of the Human Rights Act and the GDPR rolled into one!” The comparison highlights the scale and speed of this shift, just as those landmark changes reshaped law and practice, AI promises to redefine how barristers advocate.

I want to automate my legal research and document review process

From legal tradition to tech innovation

The move to digitisation has already changed how barristers work with tools like tools like Lexis® Create+ making it easier to draft, access and manage legal documents securely from anywhere. Iain Quirk from Essex Court Chambers points out the real benefits: “The digitisation of documents has huge benefits for efficiency, and for being able to work wherever you are (with all your marked up papers instantly available) – it is one of the real benefits for the Bar generally.” Building on this, AI tools are now starting to take on the repetitive, time-consuming parts of casework such as legal research and document review. Sean Brannigan from 4 Pump Court says AI “gives more space for Barristers to do what they do best, working up a proper analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each client’s position and developing lines of attack.”

Using AI isn’t about replacing legal skills. Instead, it’s about supporting barristers to focus more on the core of their work. As technology handles the routine tasks, barristers can spend more time applying their expertise where it matters most.

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Why barristers and chambers can’t afford to ignore AI

Not investing in AI isn’t just about missing out on new tools, it’s putting barristers and chambers at risk. One in five barristers worry that their careers could be negatively affected if their organisation doesn’t keep up with AI. Nearly one in ten would even consider leaving for a more forward-thinking environment. This highlights how crucial technology has become for retaining talented barristers who want to work where innovation is embraced.

There’s also growing demand for AI solutions that rely on credible, trusted legal sources. Around 31% say they’d feel more comfortable using , which makes sense in a profession where accuracy and trust matter most.

Ultimately, adopting AI is a strategic move to meet client expectations, support barristers, and stay competitive. Chambers that fail to act risk falling behind both in the courtroom and in attracting the best talent.

Final thoughts

While concerns around data privacy and security remain valid, the benefits of AI in improving efficiency, client service, and case strategy are becoming impossible to ignore. Innovation should consider choosing the right tools that align with a barrister’s core work. Those who develop the right mix of legal expertise and tech fluency will be best positioned to thrive in this new landscape.

Chambers that embrace AI strategically will not only improve their competitiveness but also create an environment where barristers feel supported and motivated to deliver their best. As Quirk reminds us, “Chambers need to be planning for the changes that are inevitable due to the use of Artificial Intelligence in every part of the justice system.”

The future of legal practice belongs to those who can balance tradition with technology, leading the way for what the profession becomes next.

Read the full report here