AI in Law: Useful Tool or Dangerous Shortcut?
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) recently issued a warning to barristers: don’t rely on AI tools like ChatGPT for legal advice or client work. They’re worried about accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical breaches. Fair enough—it’s risky to trust a free AI with sensitive legal matters. But for SQE1 candidates, the question isn’t whether AI can replace a solicitor. It’s how to use AI responsibly in your prep without falling into the same traps.
Let’s be honest. Self-funding SQE1 candidates are under pressure. Most can’t afford the £3,000-£6,000 courses offered by BARBRI or ULaw. That’s why tools like SQE1 Drills exist—to give you affordable, targeted practice that helps you pass. But the rise of generative AI like ChatGPT has complicated things. You might be tempted to use it for quick answers or topic summaries. Should you?
I think it depends. Here’s why.
The Risk of ChatGPT in SQE1 Prep
ChatGPT is great for surface-level questions. Want to know what “consideration” means in contract law? It’ll spit out a textbook definition in seconds. But it’s not designed for accuracy in highly specific legal contexts. For example, I tested it with an SQE-style question on fiduciary duties. The answer was plausible—but wrong. That’s the problem. In law, “plausible” doesn’t cut it. You need precision.
Case Study: Fiduciary Duty Gone Wrong
Here’s a concrete example: I asked ChatGPT about fiduciary duties in a company director scenario. The AI generated a response that mentioned directors must act “in the best interest of the shareholders.” Sounds fine, right? Except that’s not entirely accurate. Directors owe duties to the company itself—not to the shareholders directly (Companies Act 2006, s.172). If you repeat this mistake on the SQE1 exam, you’ll lose marks.
And then there’s the ethical issue. The BSB’s warning is a reminder that legal professionals must protect confidentiality. If you ask ChatGPT about a practice scenario that involves real case details, you’re potentially sharing sensitive information with a third party. Even if you’re just studying, it’s a slippery slope.
Actionable Tip: Test AI Answers Against Trusted Sources
If you’re tempted to use ChatGPT, cross-check its answers with trusted sources like textbooks, statute law, or official SRA guidance. For SQE1 candidates, Blackstone’s SQE Study Manual is a solid reference. Don’t just take AI outputs at face value.
So what’s the alternative?
Why Weak-Topic Drills Beat Generative AI
In my experience, the most effective study method isn’t asking ChatGPT for quick summaries. It’s active recall—forcing your brain to retrieve information without prompts. That’s why SQE1 Drills is designed around focused MCQ practice. And one feature stands out: weak-topic detection.
How Weak-Topic Detection Works
Here’s how it works:
- You complete a drill session (10, 30, or 60 questions—your choice).
- The platform tracks your performance by subject area.
- If your score on, say, “Land Law” drops below 60%, it flags that as a weak topic.
This isn’t just a gimmick. Research shows that targeted practice on weak areas significantly improves retention. A 2020 Cambridge study found that students who focused on their weakest subjects improved exam scores by nearly 15%. ChatGPT won’t tell you where you’re falling short. But analytics-driven tools will.
Comparison: ChatGPT vs. SQE1 Drills
| Feature | ChatGPT | SQE1 Drills |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | Plausible but not guaranteed | Validated against SRA specs |
| Weak-topic detection | None | Automatic flagging |
| Explanation depth | Generic summaries | Detailed legal reasoning |
| Confidentiality | Risk of data exposure | Fully secure platform |
| Cost | Free | £5/month |
Practical Example: Ethics in SQE1 Prep
Let’s tie this back to ethics, which is a pervasive topic in the SQE1 exam. Ethics questions are tricky because they often involve subtle distinctions. For example:
Question: A solicitor receives confidential information about a client’s financial difficulties during a property transaction. Can the solicitor disclose this to the other side?
ChatGPT might give you a generic answer about client confidentiality. But it won’t explain why the SRA Code of Conduct prohibits disclosure in this scenario—or what exceptions exist. That’s where an AI tutor like the one in SQE1 Drills shines. It doesn’t just tell you the answer. It explains the legal principle, the relevant rule, and why the distractor options are wrong.
Actionable Steps to Master Ethics Questions
- Understand the SRA Code of Conduct: Start with the core principles, like confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and client care.
- Practice Scenario-Based Questions: Ethics questions often involve real-world dilemmas. Use tools that simulate this style, not generic flashcards.
- Learn from Mistakes: Don’t just memorize the correct answer. Study the reasoning behind incorrect options—this builds deeper understanding.
And because each question is mapped to the SRA’s assessment specification, you know you’re studying material that actually matters for the exam. Not random trivia.
The Bottom Line: AI Isn’t the Enemy—Complacency Is
The BSB is right to caution against blindly trusting generative AI. But let’s not overreact. AI can be a powerful ally if used responsibly. The key is knowing its limits. For self-funding SQE1 candidates, that means:
- Avoiding tools like ChatGPT for mock exam questions or topic mastery.
- Using structured platforms like SQE1 Drills that combine AI with human oversight.
- Treating AI as a supplement, not a shortcut.
If you’re serious about passing SQE1, focus on active recall and weak-topic drills. It’s not flashy, but it works. And it keeps you on the right side of ethics—both as a student and a future solicitor.
FAQ
Q: Can I use ChatGPT for SQE1 revision at all?
A: Sure, for general concepts or quick definitions. But don’t rely on it for practice questions or nuanced legal principles. It’s not exam-specific and can get things wrong.
Q: What’s the best way to identify weak topics?
A: Analytics tools like SQE1 Drills automatically flag topics where your score drops below 60%. Manual tracking works too, but it’s slower.
Q: Aren’t all AI tools the same?
A: Not at all. ChatGPT generates text based on patterns. SQE1 Drills uses AI to create structured, validated MCQs mapped to the SRA specification. It’s a different ballgame.
Q: How can I practice ethics questions effectively?
A: Use a platform with detailed explanations for each answer. Simply memorizing rules isn’t enough—you need to understand how they’re applied.
Q: Is £5/month really enough for quality prep?
A: Yes. Big providers charge thousands for features you don’t always need. SQE1 Drills focuses on practice, which is what most candidates actually lack.
If you’re navigating SQE1 prep and wondering how to stay ethical while using AI, SQE1 Drills can help. Get started free →
