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30 April 2025
Issue: 8114 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Technology , Artificial intelligence , Legal services
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Barriers to tech adoption at the Bar

Barristers would like to use technology more effectively but face ‘significant’ barriers due to the unique characteristics of the profession, Bar Standards Board (BSB) research has found.

The individualised nature of self-employed barristers’ work, the absence of training, the tendency to rely on tried and trusted methods of working, and proliferation of niche areas of practice all act to inhibit tech adoption. Moreover, barristers are often too busy to try out tech, according to the BSB report, ‘Technology and innovation at the Bar research report’, published this week.

However, there has been ‘cautious’ adoption of artificial intelligence for document preparation, transcription and note-taking and use of Lexis+ AI for legal research.

BSB tech and innovation manager Henry Fingerhut said: ‘Use of technology can help to promote high quality, cost-effective legal services in an increasingly digital world.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Private wealth and tax team welcomes cross-border specialist as consultant

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

International hospitality and leisure specialist joins corporate team as partner

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Firm appoints head of intellectual property to drive northern growth

NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
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