English regulators have approved Garfield AI, the first fully AI-driven law firm, to operate without human lawyers. Garfield offers businesses and individuals cost-effective legal services, such as debt collection, at substantially lower rates—starting at just £2 for initial actions. Co-founded by former litigator Philip Young and quantum physicist Daniel Long, Garfield aims to recover billions in unpaid debts and streamline court processes using AI.
This development matters significantly to U.S. companies because it signals a transformative shift toward AI-driven legal services globally, potentially reshaping how businesses approach routine legal tasks. It highlights increased efficiency, cost reduction, and improved access to justice—issues equally pertinent to American businesses facing rising legal costs and court delays. The UK's regulatory approval sets a precedent likely to influence future AI adoption in the U.S. legal sector, underscoring the urgent need for firms to strategize around technological disruption.
Source: Financial Times
Published May 9, 2025.
