Increasingly, the practice of law is influenced in various ways by technology and AI. The rise of data and the way it is managed by technology impacts the role of lawyers and the judiciary. Governments are taking steps to respond to the impacts of AI and the legal profession needs to understand how it affects their work.

This intermediate level course focused on how AI and emerging technologies impact various aspects of the legal research method, the products of legal research, and the way in which those products are received by their judicial audience.

With a wide array of legal research resources now available, it can be challenging to know which are the most efficient at supporting different steps in the process. Attendees can expect to gain a better understanding of how AI has been integrated into various legal research tools and how it can help or hinder their work.

Attendees learned of some of the pitfalls to watch for when relying on AI-supported research and how to ensure their submissions are based on a solid foundation. They discovered how emerging technologies are transforming approaches to Aboriginal rights and Indigenous litigation. They also heard from members of the judiciary about recent legal research trends or habits that have made an impression on them.

Experienced and innovative legal researchers shared tips for combining traditional strategies with creative use of technology and design thinking to successfully solve even the most challenging research problems.