Edward Starling
- Partner
- Commercial Disputes
Head of Disputes and Senior Associate Quoted in Law UK on AI and Access to Justice
The article explores the implications of Garfield AI’s involvement in a successful county court case, which has been described as a significant development for access to justice while reinforcing the continued importance of human legal expertise and oversight.
The case has been widely viewed as demonstrating the potential for AI-enabled legal services to reduce the cost of litigation, particularly for lower-value claims where economic barriers often deter claimants. This is especially relevant in the context of the small claims track and fixed recoverable costs regime, which can limit the ability to recover legal fees and discourage otherwise meritorious claims.
At the same time, commentators have emphasised that the role of AI should not be overstated. As Laura Davies, Senior Associate in Wedlake Bell’s Disputes team, noted, recent decisions have highlighted the risks of relying on AI without “proper legal analysis and critical judgement”, underlining the need for robust oversight and governance as adoption increases.
Edward Starling, Head of Disputes at Wedlake Bell, commented that:
“This type of system is a great gateway to access justice. The costs of litigating any dispute can mount up and so this AI function would greatly assist participants of smaller claims in particular – making it efficient and cost effective and, in some cases, also help to level the playing field.”
While the case signals growing momentum for AI in dispute resolution, it also highlights a broader shift towards integrating technology alongside, rather than in place of, traditional legal expertise. Practitioners expect that firms will continue to refine their approaches to AI use, balancing innovation with careful analysis, professional accountability and client protection.
Read the full article in Law UK here.
Meet the team:
Laura Davies
- Senior Associate
- Commercial Disputes
