Manjinder Kaur Atwal in The AI Journal (5 November 2025)

Manjinder Kaur Atwal, Director and Solicitor at Duncan Lewis, has been featured in The AI Journal with her article "When Algorithms Decide: AI, Homelessness, and the Future of Public Law."

In this thought provoking piece, Manjinder discusses how artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to make critical decisions affecting some of society's most vulnerable people, particularly in homelessness determinations, housing benefit assessments, and local authority decision-making across England and Wales.

The Human Cost of Automation

Manjinder's article highlights the profound challenges that arise when algorithms are used to assess complex personal circumstances involving domestic abuse, mental health, disability, or financial crisis. She emphasises that while technology can streamline processes, it cannot replace the empathy, discretion, and nuanced understanding that homelessness law demands under the Housing Act 1996.

The article raises crucial questions about fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI-driven public decision-making: How can claimants challenge decisions when the reasoning is hidden within proprietary code? Who bears responsibility when algorithmic tools produce unlawful or discriminatory outcomes?

A Call for Legal Leadership

Manjinder calls on the legal profession to take an active role in scrutinising these technologies, advocating for transparency in public sector algorithms, and ensuring human oversight remains central to high-stakes decisions. She stresses that the drive for technological efficiency must not come at the expense of equality before the law or access to justice.

The article emphasises that homelessness law is just the frontline of a much larger issue, with algorithmic decision-making now extending across welfare, immigration, and child protection services—all raising fundamental questions about due process and human rights.

Read The AI Journal article here.

About Manjinder Kaur Atwal

Manjinder Kaur Atwal is a Director and Solicitor specialising in Housing and Property Litigation at Duncan Lewis Solicitors. A leading individual in her field, she is ranked in Chambers and Partners and recognised by The Legal 500 as a Next Generation Partner. She is known for her expertise in homelessness law and her unwavering commitment to protecting access to justice for vulnerable clients.

For expert legal representation in homelessness cases, possession proceedings, housing disrepair claims, or challenges to local authority decisions, get in touch with Manjinder on manjindera@duncanlewis.com or call 02031190269.

About Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Housing Team is Tier 1 ranked by Legal 500 for Social Housing: Tenant (2026), representing clients in homelessness, possession, disrepair, and unlawful eviction cases. The firm has been named Law Firm of the Year at both the LexisNexis Awards 2024 and Modern Law Awards 2023, and is recognised among The Times Top 250 for its commitment to access to justice.