Applications open for government's Advisory AI Growth Lab in legal services
05 August 2026
Applications for the government's first advisory AI Growth Lab (AIGL) are now open.
The government-funded initiative is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of AI products and services by helping innovators navigate existing regulatory frameworks with greater confidence. Applications are open to 27 September 2026.
The AIGL will give selected organisations the opportunity to test and refine AI products with direct regulatory input, helping them develop and adopt these products responsibly within existing regulatory requirements. The lab, the first of its kind to be rolled out, has selected legal services as the first sector to benefit, reflecting strong demand from the industry. Further sectors will follow.
As part of the lab, the SRA will work alongside the Legal Services Board (LSB), Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) to help organisations understand how existing regulation applies to innovative AI technologies.
Sarah Rapson, Chief Executive of the SRA, said: 'Innovation has an important role to play in improving legal services for consumers and businesses. Through our involvement in the Advisory AI Growth Lab, we want to help innovators understand and navigate regulatory requirements, supporting the responsible development of AI tools that can benefit the public while maintaining trust and confidence in legal services. This, and our wider programme of work, show our commitment to enabling and encouraging responsible innovation and growth across the legal sector.'
Organisations that are developing or deploying AI in legal services are encouraged to apply. This includes but is not limited to:
- LawTech companies
- Law firms, legal professionals and alternative business structures (ABSs)
- Conveyancing firms
- AI developers
- Public sector organisations
- SMEs and other unregulated providers
- Other innovators exploring AI-enabled legal services
A webinar takes place on Monday 10 August at 3pm explaining all, and firms can sign up to attend.
The SRA's participation in the AI Growth Lab forms part of its wider work to support responsible innovation in legal services, including upcoming guidance and resources on AI.