The Law Society published the practice note, Using artificial intelligence in legal practice, on 21 October 2026. It describes the note as its view of good practice, not legal advice.
What time on AI-assisted work does the note say may be charged?
The note lists time spent "appropriately operating the AI system, reviewing and verifying its output, making revisions and applying professional judgement". It says this time may be charged "where consistent with the client care letter".
Elsewhere, on checking AI outputs, the note says: "An AI system cannot reliably validate the accuracy of its results on its own. Relying on AI to verify AI outputs will not satisfy your professional obligations if there are inaccuracies."
What does the note say about a separate AI or technology charge?
The note says any separate AI or technology charge "should be clearly explained and agreed in advance with the client". It adds that such a charge "should not duplicate an amount already recovered through time-based rates or another fee".
What does the note say about fixed or capped fees?
For fixed, capped or value-based arrangements, the note says firms should explain the scope of work and charging basis clearly to the client, "ensuring that the overall fee remains justified".
Does the Law Society treat this as settled?
The Law Society calls the impact of AI on charging for legal work "an evolving area". It suggests firms may want to consider how to adapt commercial models and billing arrangements, and how AI-enabled efficiencies are reflected in the value delivered to the client.
For more information, the note points to the Solicitors Regulation Authority's guidance on transparency in price and service.
Margo Legal is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can law firms charge clients for time AI saved?
The Law Society's practice note says that where fees are time-based, "only time actually and properly spent may be recorded and billed", and that firms "should not bill for the time that a task would have taken had AI not been used".
What time on AI-assisted work does the note say may be charged?
The note lists time spent "appropriately operating the AI system, reviewing and verifying its output, making revisions and applying professional judgement". It says this time may be charged "where consistent with the client care letter".
What does the note say about a separate AI or technology charge?
The note says any separate AI or technology charge "should be clearly explained and agreed in advance with the client". It adds that such a charge "should not duplicate an amount already recovered through time-based rates or another fee".
What does the note say about fixed or capped fees?
For fixed, capped or value-based arrangements, the note says firms should explain the scope of work and charging basis clearly to the client, "ensuring that the overall fee remains justified".
Does the Law Society treat this as settled?
The Law Society calls the impact of AI on charging for legal work "an evolving area". It suggests firms may want to consider how to adapt commercial models and billing arrangements, and how AI-enabled efficiencies are reflected in the value delivered to the client.
Sources
- Law Society, Using artificial intelligence in legal practice, 21 October 2026, sections "Charging for AI-assisted work" and "AI hallucinations and inaccurate outputs": https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/ai-and-lawtech/using-artificial-intelligence-in-legal-practice
- Legal Futures, "Law Society: You may sometimes need client consent to use AI", 22 October 2026 (secondary; reports the same charging lines): https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/latest-news/law-society-you-may-sometimes-need-client-consent-to-use-ai