Survey Reveals One Quarter of Young People Turn to AI for Legal Assistance
A recent survey involving over 3,200 participants has revealed that 26% of individuals aged 18 to 24 have sought assistance from artificial intelligence when faced with legal issues. In contrast, only 10% of those aged 55 to 64 reported similar usage.
The survey, conducted by the UK legal charity Justice and the Administrative Fairness Lab, found that users frequently requested chatbots to clarify legal terminology, verify lawyer advice, draft complaints and emails, and provide emotional support.
This trend may raise concerns among legal professionals, as clients increasingly rely on AI tools like ChatGPT to validate legal advice, potentially favouring AI over traditional legal counsel.
Data collection occurred between late last year and January 2026, highlighting the growing influence of AI within the legal sector. While AI usage statistics indicate that approximately 15 million people in the UK have engaged with tools such as ChatGPT, this represents just under a quarter of the population.
The survey authors noted that many users sought AI assistance for common legal issues that typically fall outside the remit of legal aid, including housing, employment, debt, consumer matters, and family law. This suggests a shift towards AI as a resource for individuals facing legal challenges.
However, the reliability and accuracy of AI generated advice remain critical concerns. Participants expressed feelings of anxiety regarding court proceedings and job security, indicating a demand for emotional as well as legal support from AI systems. Justice cautioned that while users may seek comfort from chatbots, they could inadvertently receive less reliable advice, especially if the AI is designed to be overly friendly.
The increasing reliance on AI for legal information raises significant implications for access to justice. While AI has expanded informational access, the lack of regulation surrounding these outputs poses risks, potentially overwhelming courts with legal demands that may be deemed vexatious or invalid.
Despite these challenges, the survey indicates that AI provides individuals with opportunities to navigate legal issues that they might otherwise find insurmountable. Ellen Lefley, Deputy Legal Director at Justice, emphasised that AI is already integrated into people's legal journeys, and the focus must now shift to ensuring the reliability of AI support while addressing the underlying legal needs that drive individuals to seek AI assistance.
Dr Jed Meers, co director of the Administrative Fairness Lab, remarked on the complex factors contributing to rising demand within the courts and tribunals system. The research underscores that individuals are increasingly turning to AI tools for various legal problems, and as usage continues to grow, these tools will play an increasingly significant role in the legal landscape.