Source: VLSB+C

Generative AI Use in the Legal Profession: Findings from the 2025 Victorian Lawyer Census finds that 36.7% of surveyed Victorian lawyers report using AI tools in their practice, with over half of those users engaging with AI on a daily or weekly basis. AI is most often applied to background research on non-legal issues, legal research and case analysis, client communication, document review, transcription and contract drafting, indicating predominant use for information-gathering, drafting and administrative tasks rather than legal decision-making or court document production. Respondents largely view AI as a workflow optimisation tool: 71.3% agreed that enhanced efficiency and productivity is a major benefit, while far fewer associated AI with improved affordability, accessibility, quality or client satisfaction.

The report flags emerging challenges including impacts on the development and retention of core professional skills, insufficient support for lawyers working outside traditional legal settings to understand legal-specific professional obligations, and the largely unexplored potential for AI to improve service quality, affordability and access to justice. There was strong agreement (95.5%) that lawyers have a duty to ensure AI use complies with professional obligations, and most respondents indicated AI use should be disclosed to clients and in litigation. The Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner (VLSB+C) has issued a joint Statement on the use of artificial intelligence in legal practice, is consulting on additional practical guidance, and signals more resources and guidance later in the year, including work via its Public Purpose Fund to harness AI for access to justice.