Understanding Generative AI in Law

The rapid advancement of Generative AI (GenAI) has brought about significant change across industries, including the legal sector. Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, the possibilities for AI tools to support legal processes and improve access to information have grown exponentially. However, these developments also bring challenges, particularly around ethical use, societal impact, and accessibility of training.

The Open University in partnership with Lincoln University and Citizens Advice is leading a UKRI Responsible AI research project aimed at addressing these challenges. Our project will create free, open educational resources designed to enhance knowledge, awareness, and confidence in the use of GenAI for understanding legal processes and accessing legal information. 

Dan Barrett, Head of Data Science at Citizens Advice, said:

"At Citizens Advice, we want to provide advice fit for the future and to help people find their way forward―whoever they are, and whatever their problem. We’re pleased to be collaborating with The Open University on this project to look at ways AI can help people across our service, including our network of local Citizens Advice".
 

Free Resource Now Available

We are excited to share a free resource produced in partnership with Mishcon de Reya LLP. This guide offers an overview of Gen AI, how Large Language Models (LLMs) work, what are the risks of using GenAI and how LLMs can be used to help with legal queries. 

This guide is a starting point and a helpful tool for anyone wanting a basic plain English understanding of GenAI and LLMs. It sets the stage for the open access online materials we are developing, which will be launched in the coming months as part of our AI Law and Legal Training Project.

We invite you to explore this resource and stay connected for updates on our upcoming free training materials. 

Select this link to read and download the guide: Using generative AI in relation to legal issues.