To address the quickly changing AI landscape, the Queensland Law Society established a new AI in Legal Practice Committee which met earlier this month.
The Committee was originally established as the GenAI in Legal Practice Working group.
The 3 December meeting was attended by QLS CEO Matt Dunn, the AI in Legal Practice Committee members and advisory group members who have expertise in legal practice, litigation and dispute resolution, legal education, access to justice, AI policy and regulatory matters with respect to the profession.
The advisory groups include technical experts, lawyers and legal educators.
Matt said AI was an “important issue for the profession” and that the Society “was taking steps to ensure the profession was well equipped into the future”.
QLS formalised the committee and advisory groups to ensure there can be co-ordinated guidance and leadership on the issues.
Terri Mottershead
Chair Terri Mottershead took time out to speak with Proctor about the new committee.
What sparked the change from the AI working group into a committee?
“The working group gave us a great launching pad to bring all the QLS committees together, review and consider what local, regional and international member organisations were doing in this space, survey QLS members (completed earlier this year) so we understood what they needed, and then create a work plan that would support QLS in bringing AI to its members.
“The change to a committee was an acknowledgement that there was much work to do, it would take a number of years to complete, a more permanent governance structure made sense, and the QLS committee structure was a perfect fit.
“That structure also supported the establishment of advisory groups so the committee and through its work, QLS members now also have access to highly experienced specialists in the use and application of AI in six areas: legal practice, legal education, A2J, regulation, policy, courts and dispute resolution. We’ve taken time to review, analyse, and build a solid foundation in 2024, so we are ready to launch in 2025.”
What does the committee hope to achieve?
“The committee’s terms of reference serve as our guiding principles and decision-making framework – they are to address the effects of AI on legal practice and ethics; offer guidance and education for the responsible development and use of AI; and identify AI risks and support the legal profession in their mitigation – that is, in a nutshell, what we hope to achieve! In 2025, we’re aiming to do something in each of these three areas.”
What is in the pipeline for 2025?
“The agenda of work to be done in AI for legal is huge and dynamic. We’re in the process right now of confirming projects and prioritising them based on need and QLS resourcing.
“Having noted that, two areas stand out: education for members about the tech – how to use it, where, when, why and professional responsibility and ethical considerations about it – this is key to engaging safely with the tech ie, understanding how it works, its limitations, opportunities and risks; and supporting members with information and guidance so they can make ‘best fit’ decisions about tech purchases – the right tech for their practice.
“Both of these areas draw on existing expertise in education, ethics and law firm advisory services at QLS. They also readily lend themselves to collaboration with local subject areas experts. Work on these areas is already in the pipeline so expect to see AI on the agenda at QLS symposia, DLA meetings, CPD, Proctor articles and an enhanced resource hub too – there’s lots coming down the pipeline for members in 2025!”
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