These days it’s nearly impossible to read a legal blog, pick up a legal journal or browse the news without coming across a reference to artificial intelligence. AI, as it’s known, is now being used in a multitude of ways in legal practice, from document automation to predictive analytics. The impact of AI on the legal profession is one of the key topics being discussed this Wednesday 10 April 2019 at the Law Society of NSW’s FLIP Stream seminar in collaboration with UNSW. FLIP Stream Director Professor Michael Legg and Researcher Dr Felicity Bell will look at the points of tension between these applications of AI, how solicitors can effectively use AI to enhance what they do, and their professional ethical obligations in using this technology.

While new technology is changing the practice of law in profound ways, it’s also crucial we understand what this means for lawyers’ wellbeing. The FLIP Stream seminar will look at how we support the wellbeing of those in the legal profession during this time of rapid technological transformation. The seminar will also examine digital disruption in the civil justice system, as jurisdictions move towards embedding technology and online dispute resolution in mainstream civil justice, and conclude with a panel discussion on the future of legal education.

We’re extremely honoured to have Chief Justice the Honourable Tom Bathurst AC addressing the FLIP Stream seminar along with Dr Justine Rogers, Professor George Williams AO, Professor Collin Picker and Professor Tania Sourdin. We hope you can join us.

On another matter, we welcomed last week’s Federal Budget announcement of an additional $20 million funding for our nation’s legal assistance services and the certainty it will provide over the next three years.

The Federal Government’s commitment to funding Legal Aid Commissions (LACS), Community Legal Centres (CLCS), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS), and services to address domestic and family violence, until 30 June 2022 is a step in the right direction. However, the Federal Government now needs to look at providing additional long-term funding to ensure essential legal help to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

Elizabeth Espinosa, Law Society President

<Go back