26/08/2026

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday life. From drafting emails and analysing documents to answering complex questions in seconds, AI-powered tools have transformed the way many people access information. It is unsurprising, therefore, that increasing numbers of people are turning to platforms such as ChatGPT when faced with a legal problem.

While these technologies undoubtedly offer convenience and can help people understand legal concepts at a basic level, there are significant dangers in relying on AI as a substitute for professional legal advice. In areas such as family law, where decisions can have life-changing consequences for individuals and their families, the risks are particularly acute.

Why AI Is No Substitute for Professional Legal Advice

1. AI Gives The Illusion of Expertise

According to Beswicks Legal’s experienced Family Law Partner Daniel Rushton, one of the greatest dangers of AI is that it often presents information with remarkable confidence, regardless of whether that information is correct. Unlike a solicitor, AI does not understand the law, it cannot exercise professional judgment or indeed take responsibility for the advice it provides. Instead, it predicts likely responses based on patterns in the data on which it has been trained and is often predisposed to telling you what it thinks you want to hear. The resulting information can be persuasive but wholly inaccurate.

Recent court cases have highlighted instances where AI-generated case law and legal precedents were completely fabricated, a phenomenon known as ‘hallucination’. Courts have made it clear that parties remain responsible for the accuracy of the information they place before the court, regardless of whether it originated from an AI system.

For individuals without legal training, identifying these errors can be extremely difficult. What appears to be a professionally written legal argument may in fact contain fundamental inaccuracies that undermine a case.

2. Legal Advice Requires Human Judgment

Law is not simply a matter of applying rules. Every situation involves unique facts, individual circumstances and often sensitive human considerations. For example, in family law, the court is required to consider things like children’s welfare, financial needs and the broader context of family relationships.

AI can analyse patterns in previous decisions, but it cannot truly understand the human realities behind a dispute. Nor can it exercise discretion, assess credibility or adapt its reasoning when circumstances change. Human lawyers and judges can reflect, challenge assumptions and apply judgment. AI systems cannot.

While AI may be a useful tool for organising information or identifying issues for further investigation, it should never be viewed as a replacement for professional expertise.

3. Confidentiality and Privacy Risk Using AI

Many people are unaware that uploading documents to public AI platforms can create serious confidentiality concerns. Legal matters often involve highly sensitive data, including financial records, health information, commercially sensitive information and details relating to children.

When documents containing this kind of information are uploaded to an open AI system, users may lose control over how that information is processed, stored or used. Courts have already expressed concern that placing confidential documents into public AI tools may compromise confidentiality and legal privilege.

Individuals who use AI to analyse court documents, witness statements or correspondence may inadvertently expose private information without appreciating the consequences. What begins as an attempt to save time or money could ultimately jeopardise both privacy and the legal position of those involved.

4. AI May Reinforce Existing Biases

Another concern is that AI systems learn from historical information. If the data on which they are trained contains biases or inequalities, AI may reproduce those same biases in its outputs.

Unlike human decision-makers, AI systems cannot independently question the fairness of their conclusions. They identify and replicate patterns rather than evaluate whether those patterns are just or appropriate. This creates particular challenges in legal settings, where fairness, context and individual circumstances are essential.

As AI becomes more sophisticated, users should remain cautious about treating its responses as objective or impartial.

The Right Way to Use AI When Faced With a Legal Matter

This criticism doesn’t mean that AI has no place in legal services. In fact, many legal professionals now use secure specialist AI software responsibly to improve efficiency, summarise documents, assist with administration and support aspects of legal research. When used appropriately and subject to professional oversight, AI can help lawyers deliver services more effectively and cost-efficiently.

The crucial distinction is that AI is being used as a tool, not as a decision-maker. Professional lawyers review, test and verify AI-generated content before relying on it. The responsibility for advice remains with the solicitor, not the technology.

A Word of Caution if Using AI to Answer Your Legal Questions

If you are facing a legal issue, especially one involving your family, business, finances or future, AI should never be your sole source of advice. Online tools may be used to:

• provide useful background information,
• provide explanations about the meaning of legal words and terms,
• organise facts and timelines,
• prepare suggested questions to ask your solicitor, and
• draft basic emails.

However, AI cannot assess the full circumstances of your case, protect your confidentiality, or accept responsibility for the consequences of its recommendations.

Professional legal advice remains essential. An experienced solicitor can provide tailored guidance, identify risks, challenge assumptions and help you achieve the best possible outcome based on your individual circumstances.

AI is a powerful technology and its role in legal services will undoubtedly continue to grow. However, when it comes to protecting your rights and navigating complex legal issues, there is no substitute for informed advice from a qualified legal professional.

Need legal advice?

If you need advice on any legal matter, please don’t hesitate to contact our Stoke-on-Trent solicitors by phoning 01782 205000 or emailing enquiry@beswicks.com.