A Bitesize Introduction to AI for Legal Professionals

AI tools are already shaping how legal work gets done, from drafting and research to knowledge management and client communication. Knowing how these tools work, where their risks lie, and how to use them responsibly is quickly becoming a core professional skill.

This bitesize CPD course is designed to help legal professionals build confidence in understanding and using AI tools in legal practice. Delivered as a series of short, focused modules, it covers the fundamentals of AI, including the difference between open and closed systems, the risks and opportunities of AI use, and practical ways these tools can support day-to-day legal work.

Through demonstrations and real examples, you'll see how AI tools apply across different practice contexts. Each use case is explored at two levels, showing what the approach looks like in a larger firm setting and how the same principles translate into a smaller or sole practice environment, so you can draw directly on the examples whatever your practice context.

You'll develop practical prompting skills and get straightforward guidance on how to start using AI responsibly within your practice. You'll also receive a take-home prompt bank and practical resources to support your learning after the course.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the basic concepts behind generative AI and its relevance to legal practice

• Recognise the difference between open and closed AI systems and the associated risks

• Use simple prompting techniques to assist with common legal tasks

• Identify the limitations of AI tools, particularly in legal research and professional judgment

• Take practical first steps to begin using AI responsibly within their firm or organisation