PRESS RELEASE
Centre for Legal Innovation Launches Research Fellowship Program
First CLI Research Fellow Nicola Atkinson to study AI in legal practice
SYDNEY: June 5, 2018: The Centre for Legal Innovation (CLI) recently launched a new Research Fellowship Program to advance the industry’s knowledge of the impact of innovation on the law.
The CLI, which is part of The College of Law, is inviting expressions of interest for participation in the program. Research Fellows will receive a grant to undertake practical, applied research in partnership with The College of Law and its researchers. Appointment as a CLI Research Fellow is open to anyone who has a proven research record or requires seed funding to advance a specialism or an area of expertise that intersects legal practice and innovation in one or more of the five areas of focus for CLI: the future of legal practice, diversity & inclusion, LegalTech and AI, access to justice and the future of legal education
CLI Director Terri Mottershead said the Research Fellowship Program was an important driver of cultural change within the legal profession.
“Research Fellows will enquire into specific developments in legal innovation so we can better understand their long-term implications and help the profession respond and adapt.”
“The Research Fellows will collaborate with legal practitioners (lawyers and allied legal professionals), encouraging them to reflect on the impact of change on legal practice, while at the same time working with them to transform and shape it,” Ms Mottershead said.
First CLI Research Fellow Nicola Atkinson to explore AI in legal practice
The CLI announced the appointment of Nicola Atkinson as its first Research Fellow. Prior to her appointment, Nicola worked as the Global Co-Head of Expertise for international law firm Ashurst, where she was responsible for legal training programs that equipped lawyers to deliver the highest quality legal advice to clients. Prior to her career in legal learning and development, Nicola worked for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Nicola’s research with the CLI will focus on the intersection between legal expertise and AI and the impact this will have on the way lawyers will be educated in the future.
Commenting on her research project, Nicola said she intends to encourage a candid, informed and rigorous conversation about the impact of AI on the profession.
“Legal services are increasingly being delivered using automated precedents, dedicated software, NewLaw providers, and artificial intelligence. This means opportunities for junior lawyers to learn by doing legal research and preparing early document drafts are declining.”
“This Research Fellowship will allow me to investigate the best way to respond to the increased use of automation and how to equip the lawyers of the future with the skills they will need to deliver quality legal services,” Nicola said.
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ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF LAW
The College of Law is the school of professional practice for lawyers in Australia, and New Zealand and Asia. We are the largest provider of practical legal training in Australasia. Our mission is to deliver innovative, practice-focused legal education and training to enhance the careers of practising professionals across Australasia and its region.
With over 60,000 graduates since opening in 1974, our alumni are spread across all facets of the legal profession in Australia, and New Zealand and Asia. The College’s teaching staff help set us apart from similar institutions through our focus on practical law and the needs of the practising legal professional.
ABOUT THE CENTRE FOR LEGAL INNOVATION
The Centre for Legal Innovation (CLI) was established by the College of Law in 2016. The objective of the CLI is to act as an incubator for new ways to practise that align with the new approaches to legal service and product delivery. Throughout 2018 it will be facilitating opportunities for the professions to discuss and debate the changes taking place in the legal industry, share experience, and find solutions that best support them in remaining competitive in a new and evolving legal marketplace.