Table of contents:
Government Recognition of Legal AI Innovation
Highlighting Key Innovations
Digital Integration Excellence
Reducing Court Capacity Demands
Enhanced Access to Justice
A Model for Responsible AI Adoption
Supporting the Legal Sector's Digital Transformation
Real-World Impact
Setting Standards for the Future
Building on Government Support
The Path Forward
Garfield AI Featured in Ministry of Justice AI Action Plan as Pioneering Legal Innovation
The Ministry of Justice's AI Action Plan for Justice showcases Garfield AI as the world's first AI-driven law firm, demonstrating how SRA-approved technology can enhance access to justice while reducing court capacity demands.
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Ministry of Justice Recognises Garfield AI as World's First AI-Driven Law Firm in Landmark Report
London, 31 July 2025 – Garfield AI has been featured as a case study in the Ministry of Justice's AI Action Plan for Justice, highlighting the platform as "the world's first AI driven law firm" and a pioneering example of responsible AI adoption in the legal sector.
Government Recognition of Legal AI Innovation
The MoJ's AI Action Plan, published today, showcases Garfield AI in section 3.5 as part of the government's commitment to working with regulators to support responsible AI adoption in the legal sector. The case study recognises Garfield's unique position as an SRA-approved platform that supports businesses recovering small debts up to £10,000.
"Being featured in the Ministry of Justice's AI Action Plan validates our pioneering approach to legal technology," said Philip Young, CEO and co-founder of Garfield AI. "The government's recognition of Garfield as the world's first AI-driven law firm demonstrates that responsible innovation can transform access to justice while working within regulatory frameworks."
Highlighting Key Innovations
The MoJ report specifically notes several aspects of Garfield AI's approach that demonstrate the potential for AI innovation in the LawTech sector:
Digital Integration Excellence
The case study highlights how Garfield uses the county court's digital data standard for issuing claims, demonstrating the importance of data standards for digital interoperability. This technical integration allows seamless interaction with court systems while maintaining efficiency and accuracy.
Reducing Court Capacity Demands
The report positions Garfield AI as a solution that can help reduce pressure on court systems by automating routine processes in small claims cases. By handling claims up to £10,000 efficiently, the platform frees up court resources for more complex matters.
Enhanced Access to Justice
The MoJ recognises Garfield's role in making legal services accessible to businesses that might otherwise write off legitimate debts due to the cost and complexity of traditional legal routes.
A Model for Responsible AI Adoption
Daniel Long, CTO and co-founder of Garfield AI, commented on the technical achievements recognised in the report: "Our integration with court digital standards and our SRA approval demonstrate that AI can be both innovative and compliant. We've shown that AI-driven legal services can meet the highest regulatory standards while delivering real benefits to users."
The inclusion in the AI Action Plan positions Garfield AI as a blueprint for how AI can be responsibly deployed in legal services, balancing innovation with regulatory compliance and consumer protection.
Supporting the Legal Sector's Digital Transformation
The case study appears alongside the MoJ's broader vision for AI in justice, which emphasises:
- Working with regulators to enable responsible innovation
- Improving digital infrastructure and data standards
- Enhancing access to justice through technology
- Building public trust in AI systems
Garfield AI's proven track record demonstrates these principles in action, showing how private sector innovation can align with government objectives for modernising legal services.
Real-World Impact
Since receiving SRA approval, Garfield AI has been helping SMEs recover unpaid debts through an accessible, AI-powered platform. The system guides users through each step of the small claims process, from initial letters before action to court filing and settlement negotiations.
"Small businesses often face a stark choice: write off legitimate debts or spend disproportionate time and money pursuing them through traditional routes," Philip explained. "Garfield changes that equation entirely, making debt recovery accessible and affordable."
Setting Standards for the Future
The MoJ's recognition of Garfield AI in its AI Action Plan sends a clear signal about the future of legal services. As the report notes, platforms like Garfield demonstrate the potential for AI to:
- Enhance efficiency in legal processes
- Improve access to justice for underserved markets
- Reduce demands on court capacity
- Maintain high standards through regulatory compliance
Building on Government Support
This latest recognition builds on previous commentary from across the justice system, including Lord Justice Birss's comment that Garfield is "absolutely at the core of what we can do for access to justice" at the Civil Justice Council's "Access to Justice: Working Together" conference.
The inclusion in the MoJ's AI Action Plan represents official government acknowledgment of Garfield's pioneering role in legal technology innovation.
The Path Forward
As the legal sector continues its digital transformation, the MoJ's AI Action Plan provides a roadmap for responsible innovation. Garfield AI's inclusion as a case study demonstrates that AI-driven legal services are not just theoretical possibilities but practical realities already delivering benefits.
"We're honoured to be recognised in the Ministry of Justice's AI Action Plan," Philip concluded. "This acknowledgment reinforces our commitment to continuing to innovate responsibly, always keeping access to justice at the heart of what we do."
The full AI Action Plan for Justice is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/ai-action-plan-for-justice.
About Garfield AI
Garfield AI is the world's first AI-driven law firm, approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The platform helps businesses recover small debts up to £10,000 through automated processes that integrate with court digital standards. Founded by senior City litigation lawyer Philip Young and quantum physicist Daniel Long, Garfield combines AI innovation with regulatory compliance to transform access to justice. Visit garfield.digital to learn more.
Media Contact:
Philip Young, CEO - philip@garfield.digital
Daniel Long, CTO - dan@garfield.digital
About the Author
Hugo Rawling
Legal Engineer
