Bratby Law pairs AI research with solicitor sign-off

Bratby Law uses a custom-built AI practice system to prepare research, draft documents and check citations for work in telecoms, data protection and payments regulation. Rob Bratby decides the analysis and approves every piece of written advice, along with emails giving advice or going to regulators. The firm says automating research can shorten turnaround and lower fees compared with larger firms, with most work priced through fixed fees or retainers.

The system assembles matter histories, legislation and regulatory guidance before work begins. Its specialist legal wiki contains more than 2,000 reference notes, while more than 50 task-specific skills cover work including contract reviews, privacy assessments and regulator submissions. Citations are checked against primary sources, with anything that cannot be verified explicitly flagged. Document-processing tools also build page-linked chronologies and comparison grids, and can screen counterparty files for hidden or disguised text.

Anthropic’s Claude is the main model, with OpenAI and Google providing independent reviews where useful. AI providers operate under business terms, data processing agreements and confidentiality duties that prohibit training on client material. Working sessions are restricted to the relevant client matter, and international transfers have documented safeguards. Clients can request that AI tools not be used, with scope, timing and fees agreed accordingly. Connecting tools to clients’ own systems requires separate consent.