Warrington conveyancing expert Chris calls for caution around AI usage

A Cheshire-based residential conveyancing specialist is calling for caution as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly prominent in property law.

Chris Illingworth, partner and head of the conveyancing department at Watsons Solicitors on Bold Street, Warrington, is warning against rising client expectations with AI usage a hot topic.

Whilst technology can produce instant results and support efficiency, it is not ready to replace professional judgment, with the accuracy of feedback questionable.

Chris, who has more than 20 years of property law experience, said: “It is very much a cautious approach from us at Watsons with regards to AI.

“There are still several grey areas and unknowns with regards to what is put into AI functions and what is produced. 

“Increasingly, technology companies are offering services to law firms but given we deal day to day with highly confidential information, who we allow access to it requires careful and considered thought.

“It is widely known that some of the information that comes back from searches in large language models is nonsense and we are not in the business of dealing in anything but facts.”

A stark warning about the reliance of technology was issued recently when a UK law firm suffered losses after providing advice to a client on the back of an AI-generated opinion that was found to be inaccurate. These hallucinations caused huge reputational loss to the firm, and specifically the lawyers involved.

That’s not to say that Chris and conveyancing department colleagues Lauren Hosie, Kailey Doyle, and Louise Turner are unwilling to adopt an open mind.

Chris continued: “We are not complete luddites and do use technology where appropriate to help us provide the best service to our clients, and without exposing them to risk.

“At the moment, however, we are very much focusing on everything being done by professionals, because what happens when AI is used and something goes wrong? Who is to blame?

“Technology constantly throws up potential new ways of working, but we remain to be convinced by how positive its usage can be for us right now.

“That may well change further down the line with the advances that are being made on a regular basis, although conveyancing has always been done best when humans with real world expertise are involved.”

To speak to someone at Watsons Solicitors about buying, selling, or refinancing property, please contact enquiries@watsonssolicitors.com or call 01925 571 212.

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing.

The team of experienced solicitors holds various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.