The University of Technology Sydney will partner with LexisNexis to equip the legal profession with the skills they need in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). This training will give lawyers strategic expertise to help their clients understand and respond to the opportunities and risks posed by AI.
Industry Professor - Responsible Technology Edward Santow
The training initiative is being led by Edward Santow, UTS Industry Professor – Responsible Technology. Professor Santow directs a major UTS initiative in the UTS Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion, to build Australia’s strategic capability in human-centred AI and other new technology.
AI is growing exponentially. According to consulting group McKinsey & Company, half of all businesses globally are using AI in at least one function, including in manufacturing, supply chain optimisation, human resources, marketing, customer engagement, fraud detection, infrastructure maintenance, finance and government decision making.
However, Professor Santow cautions against the risks of using AI poorly. “Without the right strategic skills, AI can cause serious harm, including to our privacy, right to equality, and other basic rights.
“The incorrect targeting of disadvantaged citizens by Australia’s automated social security debt-recovery system, known as ‘Robodebt’, is an example of the dangers associated with AI,” Professor Santow said.
Now is a time of unprecedented technological transformation. The legal profession has a critical role in supporting their clients – both clients using AI themselves and those affected by decisions made using AI.
Professor Edward Santow
“The ‘digital wild west’ is coming to an end, and this is a good thing. Our current laws are being more effectively enforced, with Australian courts insisting on greater accountability and fairness in the use of AI by companies and government agencies. And we know more reform is coming – both from within Australia and internationally.
“Now is a time of unprecedented technological transformation. The legal profession has a critical role in supporting their clients – both clients using AI themselves and those affected by decisions made using AI – during this period.”
LexisNexis delivers leading global data, analytics and lawtech to the legal ecosystem. Myfanwy Wallwork, Executive General Manager - Regulatory Compliance Global is excited about the application of this course in the industry.
“It is great to see practical ways in which lawyers can get a solid understanding of the risks and benefits created by the development and implementation of AI-based technologies.
“Working with a range of experts through solutions for internal strategies such as efficiency gains, or providing sound advice to clients in an increasingly complex area with continual global and local regulatory change – while preventing inequity, or even promoting greater equality, is something of which we are very proud to be part.”
LexisNexis and UTS will deliver three principal types of training:
Level A: customised leadership workshops. Designed for senior leaders in the legal profession, these targeted workshops will build understanding of the strategic risks and opportunities related to AI.
Level B: masterclasses for operationalising AI. These masterclasses will be tailored for lawyers who have a specific focus on the application of AI and related new technology. It will build skills to support effective AI procurement and implementation of AI- powered systems, and to guide their clients in managing their own deployment of AI.
Level C: training on AI fundamentals. As AI is increasingly used throughout decision making, all lawyers need a core understanding of the legal implications of AI. This training will provide foundational knowledge for professionals throughout the legal sector.
Find out more about world-leading training and masterclasses on AI strategy and implementation offered by the UTS Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion:
• Bespoke leadership development
• Targeted training in AI-exposed sectors
• General workplace training