AI based Legal Tech; in the firm and in the law school

Abstract

Conscious of the investment in, and use of, AI by law firms, a project was established for final year law students to better equip them for careers in practice. This was the first legal-tech project in an Irish law school. LegalTech was omnipresent and was changing the practise of law by means of process efficiency and automation. To introduce the students to legal tech, they were given access to some brilliant technology developed by Neota Logic. Critically, without a knowledge of coding, they were able to build Apps which automated certain tasks and legal advice, created efficiencies and addressed a notional client’s needs. Deep learning of certain areas of law was coupled with experiential learning of company and other areas of law. Additionally the students had their first experiences of dealing with a client’s requirements. The practical aspects of law and compliance were also revealed to the students and, showing an appreciation of these tasks, one App built in a link to the Companies Registration Office website. Assessment was designed to capture their legal expertise but also measured their transferable skills of time and task management, as well as team working skills. Graduates reported positive effects on the recruitment processes they faced too.