International law firm Allens has teamed up with UTS Faculty of Law and software firm Neota Logic to create the “Allens Neota UTS Law Tech Challenge for Social Justice” program (#LawTechChallenge), which will grant 20 UTS Law students enrolled in the extracurricular Brennan Justice and Leadership Program* the opportunity to develop artificial intelligence (AI) web applications that promote access to justice and make tailored legal information more reachable.

Commencing in December the year prior, the annual program is modelled on an original program developed in the US by Georgetown University Law School and Neota Logic Inc. UTS Law students are supported by Allens’ professionals to work in small teams with participating Non-Profit Organisations to develop the applications using the Neota Logic software, designed specifically for developers with no prior programming experience.


The new UTS program will help law students learn to think more like engineers so their legal expertise can be leveraged via the Internet and benefit more people.
Kevin Mulcahy, Director of Education, Neota Logic Inc.

Past participating Non-Profit Organisations include:

 

2017 Law Tech Challenge Participants

The UTS program is distinct from others before it due to a high level of industry involvement, with Allens’ lawyers playing a hands-on role in assisting students to develop applications for the partner not-for-profit organisations.



An understanding of technology – especially something as powerful as AI – will be an increasingly vital competency for lawyers of the future. Working with clients to build solutions specific to their needs is key to our approach. We’re delighted to work with the next generation of lawyers as they combine the disciplines of law and technology for the benefits of our community partners.
Anna Collyer, Partner, Allens

Not only will the UTS-based program give students practical experience with state-of-the-art legal technology, but it will demonstrate how technology can be further utilised to make justice more accessible to all.


Collaborating in teams with qualified lawyers and in consultation with their clients, our students will experience authentic practice management, while honing their analytical and communication skills. This program is a unique opportunity for our students to discover how innovative thinking and legal technology can solve social justice problems.            
Professor Lesley Hitchens, former Dean, UTS Faculty of Law 

The collaborative program culminates in August in a public showcase event – similar to the traditional law school moot court competition – where teams compete for the ‘Best Social Justice Application’ award.


*hours accumulated on the program can be claimed as LTS hours.