New government-backed AI Growth Lab will test legal technology for debt claims, conveyancing and access to justice — but regulators say safeguards are essential

THE LEGAL watchdog for England and Wales is backing a new government scheme to test artificial intelligence in the legal sector — a move that could eventually make legal help cheaper and easier to access for consumers and small businesses.

The Legal Services Board (LSB) will join the government’s newly launched AI Growth Lab, which aims to allow legal technology firms and law providers to trial AI systems in supervised real-world settings before they are rolled out more widely.

The announcement, embargoed until Sunday (June 8), will be made during the government’s AI Adoption Summit as part of London Tech Week.

The initiative has been described as an “advisory sandbox”, giving firms the chance to test AI products while receiving guidance from regulators about how existing legal rules apply. Officials stressed that involvement in the scheme does not amount to official approval or endorsement.

For ordinary people, the changes could eventually affect everything from debt recovery and court paperwork to house purchases and legal advice.

One example already authorised under existing rules is an AI-powered law firm called Garfield.Law Ltd, which helps small and medium-sized businesses recover unpaid debts through the small claims court.

The firm uses artificial intelligence to help process cases where pursuing unpaid invoices may otherwise cost more than the debt itself.

However, the Legal Services Board said safeguards remain essential. Although AI may assist with services, regulated solicitors still remain legally accountable for work carried out and firms are expected to have measures in place to reduce risks such as inaccurate information or poor legal advice.

House buyers could also see changes in the future.

A second example being explored involves an AI system designed to analyse property sales packs during conveyancing to flag inconsistencies or potential legal issues for solicitors to investigate.

Supporters say such tools could speed up house sales, identify problems earlier and reduce delays in what is often one of the most stressful stages of buying a property.

But concerns remain around transparency, confidentiality and trust.

The Legal Services Board said public confidence in legal AI would depend on strong protections, clear explanations of how systems work, and accountability when mistakes happen.

Richard Orpin, Chief Executive of the Legal Services Board, said the project was a “pragmatic and timely initiative” that could help firms innovate safely while improving access to legal services.

He said the regulator hoped AI could ultimately help lower costs, improve user experience and increase access to justice, while ensuring consumers remained protected.

The Legal Services Board oversees legal regulators in England and Wales, including the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.

Applications for companies wishing to join the AI Growth Lab are expected to open later this summer.

The development raises a bigger question for consumers: if AI can make legal help cheaper and faster, would you trust a computer to help fight your case?

Court told offence was committed during suspended sentence period

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been jailed after admitting possessing a lock knife in a public place.

David Jones, aged 61, of Cwmcatty, Porthyrhyd, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Jun 5).

He admitted that on June 4, at Llanelli, he had a lock knife with him in a public place without good reason or lawful authority.

Jones was jailed for four months.

The court record stated the offence was so serious that only custody could be justified, and that it was committed during the operational period of a suspended sentence.

The court also ordered that the lock knife be forfeited and deprived from him.

A second charge, alleging threatening or abusive behaviour towards PCSO Nicholl of Dyfed-Powys Police, was withdrawn.

Case adjourned for pre-sentence report at Haverfordwest court

A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted harassment and assault charges.

Wayne Whatling, aged 40, of Howarth Close, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Jun 5).

The court heard that between September 1 and September 13, 2025, at Milford Haven, Whatling pursued a course of conduct which amounted to harassment of Carol Whatling.

The charge stated that he regularly asked her for money and that she was in fear of repercussions if she did not provide it.

Whatling also admitted assaulting Ben Whatling by beating him at Milford Haven on September 13, 2025.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report.

He was remanded on conditional bail and must return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, June 11.