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Guidance

Legal services advisory AI Growth Lab: overview

Updated 23 October 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/advisory-ai-growth-lab-legal-services/legal-services-advisory-ai-growth-lab-overview

Overview

The advisory AI Growth Lab is a new sandbox designed to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence (AI) by helping innovators navigate existing regulatory frameworks with greater confidence.

Legal services is the first focus of the sandbox. Applications to the legal services advisory AI Growth Lab closed on 27 September 2026.

We ran a launch webinar on 10 August 2026, where we went through the application process and eligibility in more detail.

Organisations developing AI in legal services often need to navigate multiple regulatory and professional frameworks and requirements. Integrating a novel technology within this environment can create uncertainty and slow adoption.

The legal services advisory AI Growth Lab provides innovators and adopters with coordinated access to regulators, helping them to understand how current regulation applies to cutting-edge technology so they can bring products to market faster.

The lab will accelerate safe and responsible AI adoption and innovation in the legal sector and improve access to justice for the public by enabling high-quality, faster and more affordable legal services.

Who was eligible to apply

Applications were invited from organisations developing or deploying AI in legal services, including but not limited to:

  • LawTech companies

  • law firms, legal professionals and alternative business structures (ABSs)

  • conveyancing firms

  • AI developers

  • public sector organisations

  • small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

  • other innovators exploring AI-enabled legal services

The lab particularly sought applications that would benefit from engagement with one or more of the participating regulators, including where an issue may cross multiple regulatory remits or raise novel questions about how existing regulatory frameworks apply in practice.

The AI Growth Lab is focused on real-world AI applications that could improve legal services for businesses and consumers. Examples may include:

  • AI tools that support legal professionals in delivering services more efficiently

  • technologies and tools that help improve access to justice

  • AI-assisted conveyancing and property services

  • tools that help organisations analyse, manage or process legal information

  • solutions that raise questions across multiple regulatory regimes

Who is involved

The AI Growth Lab is delivered through collaboration between government and regulators. The legal services advisory AI Growth Lab brings together the:

  • Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)

  • Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

  • Legal Services Board (LSB)

  • Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

  • Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST)

  • Ministry of Justice (MoJ)

The lab supports innovation while maintaining the role and responsibilities of existing regulators. Participation does not provide regulatory approval, endorsement or exemptions from legal obligations. Organisations remain responsible for complying with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

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