Legal innovation to be supercharged by new AI Growth project
In a major boost to the economy, the Government has launched a new AI growth project to fast-track innovation in legal technology, often known as LawTech.
- New AI testing labs to fast-track breakthrough LawTech solutions
- Cutting-edge innovation to boost efficiency and ensure safe, ethical AI use
- Part of drive to deliver legal modernisation and boost economic growth
The Government has unveiled state-of-the-art testing environments – coined AI Growth Labs – that will allow for ground-breaking AI software to be trialled and tested in a secure environment, enabling it to be rolled out to market quicker.
Legal services have been chosen as the first sector to benefit from the pioneering growth project, reflecting strong demand from the industry and clear evidence that smarter regulation can deliver breakthrough LawTech solutions.
The initiative will help innovators navigate the UK’s regulatory landscape with greater clarity, removing barriers that have slowed progress and unlocking the full potential of AI technology, driving economic growth and delivering a modern legal sector.
For example, the lab could be used to test AI tools that help conveyancers analyse property sales packs and flag potential legal issues for review in minutes rather than hours. This would allow busy professionals to identify risks earlier, reduce delays and support faster, more efficient property transactions.
This marks a significant step in modernising legal services – boosting efficiency, strengthening public trust and expanding access to justice – while positioning the UK at the forefront of global AI innovation and economic growth.
Deputy Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor David Lammy said:
The legal sector is a cornerstone of the UK economy, contributing over £40 billion a year — yet too often it’s been held back by analogue systems simply not fit for the digital age.
That’s why we’re deploying these new AI Labs to turbocharging legal innovation, helping us drive growth, boost efficiency and deliver smarter justice, as well as positioning the UK to lead internationally in this vital market.
AI Growth Labs give organisations a safe space in which to test innovative legal services products and discuss any regulatory issues directly with regulators.
By providing clearer, joined-up guidance within existing rules, the Labs will cut through complexity and make it easier to bring new ideas to market.
It comes as the Deputy Prime Minister is set to attend London Tech Week next week (Tuesday, 9 June) where he will announce a major new phase of technology and AI investment to drive bold court modernisation - delivering faster, smarter justice for the public.
Applications for the AI Growth Labs will open later this summer for tech innovators – including LawTech firms, legal service providers and conveyancing companies – before being rolled out to other sectors later this year.