Accused of improper use of AI in your coursework or assessment? You’re not alone. Universities across the UK are now investigating students for alleged use of generative AI tools, often with minimal or unreliable evidence.
At Alpha Academic Appeals, we have a dedicated team of barristers who specialise in AI-related academic misconduct. We’ve helped hundreds of students challenge unfair allegations of unauthorised AI use, whether through internal hearings, formal appeals, or complaints to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA).
Specialists in AI-Related Academic Misconduct
We have expertise in this fast-evolving area.
- We’ve advised students and professional bodies on the ethical and procedural challenges of AI in academic work
- We’ve published widely on the use of AI in education
- Our team closely monitors new university policies, detector technologies, and procedural trends, giving our clients a decisive advantage in their cases.
From false positives to vague assessment rules, we understand how these allegations arise and we know how to respond effectively and persuasively.
Common AI-Related Allegations
Students come to us facing allegations such as:
- Using AI tools to draft, edit or improve coursework
- Using AI paraphrasing or translation tools without acknowledgement
- Using AI beyond what was declared or permitted
- Failing to disclose or cite AI assistance where required
- Submitting text flagged by an AI-detection system
- Receiving deducted marks due to AI suspicion
Our Team
The AI division is led by barristers with specialist expertise in technology and higher education law, including Daniel Sokol, Aidan O’Brien, Amy Sloan-Thomas, Julian Hunt, Christopher Coyle, and Jenan Jaafar. Between them, they have represented students in complex AI-misconduct investigations, published on AI in both scholarly and journalistic outlets, and advised journal editors and regulatory bodies in this fast-moving field.
How We Help
We provide strategic and tailored support at every stage of the process. Our work typically includes:
- Analysing the evidence against you – such as examiner and AI-detection reports - to identify weaknesses or procedural flaws in the university’s case.
- Advising on strategy from the outset, including how best to respond to initial enquiries, what to disclose, and how to avoid statements that may be misinterpreted or used against you.
- Instructing independent experts when appropriate, such as authorship analysis experts.
- Drafting persuasive written responses that expose gaps in the university’s reasoning, breaches of policy, or failures of procedural fairness.
- Preparing you for meetings and hearings, and helping you present your case calmly and convincingly.
- Representing you when permitted in university hearings, disciplinary panels, and appeal meetings. Our experts are all practising barristers, trained over many years in written and oral advocacy.
- Assisting with formal appeals or OIA complaints if the outcome was unfair, unsupported by evidence, or disproportionate to the alleged misconduct.
- Providing ongoing support and reassurance, ensuring you understand each step and can make informed decisions throughout the process.
Why Choose Alpha Academic Appeals
- Expertise in AI-related student cases
- Experienced barristers who understand both law and higher-education procedure
- Track record of success in overturning unfair findings
- Clear, practical advice, 7 days a week, without jargon or delay
We are among the first firms in the UK to specialise in AI-related academic misconduct. When you instruct us, you’re working with people who understand the technology, the policies, and the stakes.
Contact Us
If you’ve been accused of using AI in your academic work, contact us today for a confidential discussion on 0800 369 9230 or complete this online form.
