Duncan Lewis Solicitors Adopts AI to Enhance Legal Aid Delivery and Develop Future Talent (14 April 2026)

Duncan Lewis Solicitors has announced the adoption of LexisNexis Protégé AI technology, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in client service and the development of future legal talent.

The move reflects a governance-first approach to AI adoption, with structured oversight, ethical safeguards, and regulatory compliance embedded from the outset.

Duncan Lewis is one of the UK’s largest legal aid providers, representing clients across 25 areas of law, including complex public law, housing, family, and human rights matters. The firm is also known for its involvement in high-profile litigation, including its successful challenge to the Government on legal aid fees, which resulted in the first rate increase in 30 years.

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AI has been rolled out across Duncan Lewis’ legal practice, with all 220 lawyers receiving full training as part of a firm-wide implementation. While the technology will support work across all departments, it is expected to be particularly valuable in high-volume legal aid matters, helping to improve efficiency and access to justice for vulnerable clients.

The firm emphasises that the adoption of AI is not about replacing lawyers, but supporting them in delivering better outcomes for clients.

To support implementation, Duncan Lewis has appointed an AI Governance Lead within its Risk & Compliance function. The role is held by Lavinia Bofan, who works closely with senior leadership and IT teams to oversee the ethical and responsible use of AI across the firm.

She said: “Our priority is to ensure that our lawyers, and those training to join the profession, have access to the most advanced and effective tools available. When used responsibly, technologies such as LexisNexis AI and Protégé AI strengthen legal analysis, reduce administrative burden, and enable our teams to focus on strategy, advocacy, and client care. These tools should enhance the way we deliver legal services, not replace professional judgment.”

Duncan Lewis has long been recognised for its structured training and career development pathways and is currently shortlisted for the LexisNexis Trainee Scheme of the Year Award.

The adoption of AI will further strengthen this commitment by:

• Supporting trainees in developing advanced research and analytical skills
• Enhancing supervised learning through legal technology
• Promoting responsible and ethical AI use in legal practice
• Preparing the next generation of solicitors for a tech-enabled profession

Client confidentiality, regulatory compliance, and ethical safeguards remain central to the firm’s approach.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is ranked Top Tier by both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, has won numerous industry awards including LexisNexis Law Firm of the Year 2024, is recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and is listed among The Times Top 250 Law Firms in the UK.

“Innovation must serve people,” added Lavinia. “By combining technological advancement with rigorous training and supervision, we are strengthening both access to justice today and the legal profession of tomorrow.”

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