Young: Access to Justice Delivered Through Responsible AI
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has authorised, for the first time, a law firm that operates solely through an AI-powered litigation assistant named Garfield. This milestone marks a significant step for legal AI applications within the UK. Initially, Garfield supports businesses in recovering unpaid debts up to £10,000 in the small claims court, with plans to expand into small housing disrepair claims next. The platform can also be white-labelled for use by other law firms.
Garfield was developed by Philip Young, an experienced commercial litigator and co-founder of the City boutique Cooke Young & Keidan, alongside quantum physicist Daniel Long. Young describes the system as “access to justice delivered through responsible AI.” Unlike generic legal chatbots, Garfield is a hybrid AI/expert system built with domain-specific expert knowledge, strictly following the Civil Procedure Rules for accuracy and transparency.
How Garfield Works
Garfield offers very affordable pre-action services: £2 for a polite chaser and £7.50 for a letter before action. Once a claim is issued, it charges the fixed recoverable costs set by the relevant rules. Young compares Garfield’s operation to that of a well-run law firm, where the client provides the facts and the system manages process, procedure, and recommendations.
Users simply drag and drop the unpaid invoice and contract (if available) into the system. Garfield checks for limitation issues, assesses whether a claim exists, and evaluates the debtor’s solvency through Companies House records. It then prompts the user to send a chaser or a letter before action, ensuring all necessary information is included. The letter clearly indicates that Garfield is an AI solution.
Once a response is received, Garfield reviews it, requests any additional information needed, drafts a reply, and can ultimately issue a claim, apply for judgment in default, or respond to a defence. It supports the user through to trial, preparing trial bundles and skeleton arguments as required.
Ensuring Accuracy and Compliance
Young explains that Garfield’s accuracy is maintained through a multi-layered approach. The system was developed and tested over two years, with real-time analytics tracking quality. A staggered launch allows close monitoring of live claims and documents generated, with plans to move to risk-based sampling once confidence in accuracy is established. Law firms using Garfield can track accuracy themselves.
Garfield also benefits defendants by providing properly presented claims, which is particularly valuable in cases with many litigants in person. The system has received positive feedback from senior judiciary figures, including Lord Justice Birss, deputy head of civil justice, who recognized AI technologies like Garfield as central to improving access to justice.
Market Reception and Future Plans
Users range from sole traders to large corporations, including law and accountancy firms. Law firms see Garfield as a tool to handle more small debt claims efficiently, reducing the need to hire additional staff or increase overheads, while potentially improving profit margins. They appreciate that Garfield removes friction and offers a human-overseen solution rather than a fully autonomous AI product. The platform is flexible, welcoming direct users and law firm partnerships alike.
The SRA’s authorisation process took eight months, reflecting a thorough review of the product, people, and risks involved. The regulator maintains ongoing oversight of Garfield, reflecting a forward-thinking but cautious approach to AI in legal services.
Built modularly, Garfield can add other claim types atop its current small claims expertise. Housing disrepair claims are a likely next step, especially given the difficulties many face accessing justice in this area. Young envisions Garfield eventually supporting fast-track claims but expects human lawyers will remain essential for higher-value cases. The system is also intended to assist lawyers by improving efficiency in handling complex matters.
Background and Inspiration
Garfield’s team includes around 15 members, with four solicitors and a barrister. The launch of ChatGPT inspired Young to explore AI’s potential in law. The focus on debt claims was motivated by the experiences of Young’s brother-in-law, Andy King, a self-employed plumber who struggled to recover unpaid debts without incurring prohibitive costs. King noted that many small business owners write off debts because pursuing court action is too costly and time-consuming, encouraging non-payment by customers.
Young teamed up with Daniel Long to bring technical expertise to the project, aiming to deliver responsible AI that improves access to justice and streamlines debt recovery.
For legal professionals interested in how AI tools can support practice efficiency and client service, exploring AI applications like Garfield offers practical insight into the future of legal service delivery.
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