General Competency in AI for Barristers
Designed for barristers, Heads of Chambers and senior decision-makers, this course provides in-depth insight into AI risks, regulatory frameworks, and practical implementation across chambers and barristers’ practices.
Duration
1.5 Hours
Lessons
7
CPD Hours
1.5
Certificate
On Completion
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Six outcomes from this training
Meet the BSB's mandatory requirement that all barristers maintain a general competency in AI, whether you are currently using AI or not.
Apply your duties to clients correctly each time you use AI in a matter, and know your responsibilites when solicitors, clients or opposing counsel use the technology.
Understand your ethical obligations in line with the BSB Handbook when using AI and why personal responsibility for AI-generated work is absolute
Know what the BSB requires from barristers and chambers before any AI tool is adopted
Recognise and understand the necessary technology management structures required to be in place across chambers and individual practice.
Meet your regulatory requirements in relation to AI, as outlined in the BSB’s AI Guidance for barristers and chambers
About this training
The BSB's May 2026 AI guidance sets out clear expectations for every barrister and chambers — on competence, governance, client duties, and personal accountability. Those obligations apply now, regardless of whether you currently use AI in practice.
This course is built around the six key sections of the BSB guidance. It gives barristers and chambers leaders the knowledge to understand what is required of them, identify where their current practice falls short, and take the steps needed to demonstrate compliance. It is written and delivered by Briefed's in-house barristers, and designed to be completed as part of your CPD obligations.
Key topics
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1
The fundamentals of AI
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2
AI’s risks to the Bar and you in practice
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3
Your duties and responsibilities to clients
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4
Regulatory and ethical compliance considerations
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5
Real-life scenarios and applications
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6
Responsible use obligations
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7
The AI tech stack
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8
Implementing AI across chambers
Frequently asked questions
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems or software that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. These include problem solving, language understanding, visual perception, learning, and decision-making. AI systems can be trained to recognise patterns, make predictions, and adapt based on new data.
Yes, our training has been designed to align with the BSB's AI guidance, published in May 2026. Barristers need make themselves aware of the risks of AI, how it can be used, how to spot AI. also they should have appropriate framework and governance structures in place. Ultimately, barristers must have training to understand the risks involved and evidence that they have audited their practice, and remedy any risks.
Barristers should opt for a risk based approach, per page 4 of the BSB's May 2026 guidance. They must 1. have training to understand risks 2. evidence that they have audited their practice with any risks being highlighted and remedied.
Generative AI is a type of AI model that can create new content, such as text, images, audio, or video, rather than simply analysing existing data. Tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are examples of generative AI that are already in use across the legal sector.
AI works by analysing large sets of data, identifying patterns, and learning from them to make predictions or decisions. It relies on machine learning and deep learning models to produce results for its users. The quality and accuracy of those results depend heavily on the data the system was trained on.
Machine learning is a branch of AI that enables systems to learn from data without being explicitly programmed. Instead of following fixed rules, machine learning algorithms find patterns in historical data and use those patterns to make predictions or recommendations.
Deep learning is a branch of AI and machine learning that uses artificial neural networks to learn from large amounts of data. These networks are made up of many layers, allowing a system to detect complex patterns and relationships automatically without being explicitly programmed to do so.
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Briefed works with chambers on AI policy, governance, and advisory support. If your set needs more than training, we can help.