The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal industry is now commonplace. AI tools are being increasingly used by legal professionals, members of the judiciary and expert witnesses to assist them in their work.

This document, published by The Academy of Experts (the Academy), is intended to provide guidance to expert witnesses on the use of AI in their work.

The term ‘expert’ is used in this guidance to refer to an expert witness acting in the capacity of an independent expert witness instructed to provide evidence in legal proceedings (as opposed to an advisory expert, for example).

This document sets out:

• In Section A, background information on AI, how experts might use it, and the risks involved.
• In Section B, the Academy’s guidance on the use of AI by experts, including how experts can engage with AI in a manner which is both compliant with their duties as an expert and which upholds public trust.
• In Section C, a checklist of points for experts to consider in relation to using AI.
• In the Appendix, a brief glossary of key AI-related terms.

The guidance in this document is not intended to replace human judgment. Experts should consider carefully their use of AI and the impact of this on their duties, their professional relationships with their client and/or instructing solicitors, and ultimately their work. However, it is hoped that this guidance provides helpful information and suggestions for experts to consider when using AI.

Thanks are given to Minesh Tanna of Simmons & Simmons LLP for his invaluable contribution in leading the project.