The Law Society Gazette reported on 21 October 2026 that new Law Society guidance addresses telling clients about AI use. For conveyancing teams, the practical question is how to explain a particular use of technology without suggesting that responsibility for the transaction has moved to the software.
Start with the task
A statement that a firm “uses AI” tells a client little. A more useful explanation identifies whether a tool helps organise documents, prepare a draft or summarise material, and how the responsible lawyer checks the result.
The Law Society’s practice note is guidance on good practice, not a new statutory permission to use client information. It emphasises continuing oversight and notes that AI use may need to be addressed in privacy information where personal data is processed.
Build checks around conveyancing documents
The following is a suggested workflow, rather than a prescribed regulatory checklist:
- Name the source: record which title documents, search results or correspondence were supplied to the approved tool.
- Check the underlying text: compare a generated summary with the actual provision or search entry, including qualifications and exceptions.
- Separate fact from judgement: identify what the document says and what advice the lawyer has reached after reviewing it.
- Record the review: retain a clear note of who checked the output and what was corrected before it was used.
Client information still needs protection
The SRA’s warning notice of 17 August 2026 makes clear that professional responsibility remains with the regulated person or firm. It highlights inaccurate outputs and confidentiality risks, including risks from both paid and free tools. A subscription alone is not evidence that a system is appropriate for a client file.
A useful interview question
If you are considering a conveyancing role, ask the employer which tools are approved, what training is provided and how document review is supervised. Being comfortable with technology is valuable; knowing when to question its output is part of the job.