Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is to host a conference next monrh that will explore the transformative impact of technology on legal practice and academia.

‘Legal Tech and the Rule of Law’ will take place on 12 February at TUS’s Athlone campus.

The annual conference, now in its third year, allows both in-person and online attendance, and aims to foster a platform for exchange among legal academics, practitioners, students, and the public.

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds of the High Court.

Ethical challenges

TUS says that, while the main audience comprises legal academics and professionals, the morning session at 9am aims to engage a broader audience, by providing “an accessible overview” of key ethical challenges posed by technology.

The speakers include:

• Dr Brian Barry (Trinity College Dublin),
• Dr Ronan Kennedy (University of Galway),
• Andy Unger (London South Bank University),
• Dr David Cowan, Maynooth University), and
• Gavin Sheridan (VizLegal).

AI’s potential

The conference will explore the potential of AI in streamlining legal processes, and how blockchain could revolutionise regulatory spaces, offering real-time breach detection and potentially averting lengthy court cases. Smart contracts will also be examined in terms of their role in enhancing access to justice.

The afternoon will feature workshops focusing on the development of legal curricula in higher education, chaired by Andy Unger. The final session, chaired by TUS’s Dr Nuala Harding, will focus on the intersection of AI and legal education.

“With topics spanning technology’s impact on justice accessibility, legal governance, and the rule of law, the conference promises to be an invaluable resource for academics, practitioners, law students, and anyone curious about the evolving face of legal practice,” said Alison Hough (conference organiser and TUS law lecturer).