UPES School Of Law Hosts A World Café Style Conference On The Future Of Legal Education In The Tech Led World
UPES School of Law successfully concluded its unique and highly anticipated World Café Style Conference on a critical and thought-provoking theme “Adapt or Perish: Are Future Lawyers Ready for a Tech-Led World?” held on June 29, 2024, at Taj Lands End in Mumbai.
This conference began with the keynote speech delivered by Mr. Nitin G. Thakker, President of the Bombay Bar Association who shared his insights on how the theme of the conference is not just a topic for discussion but a call to action, urging everyone present to reflect on the evolving landscape of the legal profession, and especially legal education, in the face of rapid technological advancements.
The conference took place in a unique World Café style format where participants engaged in an open and intimate discussions on dedicated key themes, linking ideas within the broader theme of the conference. The conference fostered discussions in small groups where leading experts addressed critical issues of legal education in today's digital world.
This powerhouse gathering convened a diverse group of prominent figures from both the public and private sectors to engage in thought-provoking discussions about the next-generation lawyers adapting to technology. Senior representatives from esteemed government organizations, including ONGC, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BAARC), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, participated alongside leading legal experts from renowned law firms such as Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, Khaitan & Co.,Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, Wadia Ghandy & Co., Economic Laws Practice, Royzz & Co., Dentons Link Legal and Singularity Legal, in discussing the future of legal education in the tech-led world. Prominent legal representatives from leading corporations including Kimberly-Clark, Wärtsilä, Thyssenkrupp Nucera, Tata Consultancy Services, Jio Studios, Deloitte India, ANM Global Inc., Sony Pictures, Apraava Energy, GEP Worldwide, and Reliance India Limited, also participated thus enriching the discussions with their unique perspectives.
In line with the theme, the distinguished participants deliberated upon the pressing challenges concerning the adaptability and proficiency of leveraging technologies in the legal profession, the ethical concerns and the potential biases in AI algorithms, legal frameworks to regulate these emerging technologies, and most importantly, the future of legal education in the globalised world. Participants discussed the crucial synergy between soft skills, conceptual understanding, practical training, modern curriculum development, and critical thinking for thriving in a tech-led legal world.
Following the group discussions, a distinguished panel took the stage where Mr. Rajdeep Choudhury (Barrister, International Tenant), Mr. Adarsh Himatsinghka (Senior Associate, ANM Global), Mr. Sonal Verma (Partner & Global Leader, Dhir & Dhir Advocates & Solicitors), Mr. Naresh Pareek (Partner, Lex Consult), Mr. Vaibhav Ganjiwale (Head-Learning and Development, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas), and Ms. Tanya Gupta (Senior Associate, ANM Global) offered insightful commentary and expertise, enhancing the overall discussion. The discussion wrapped up with an engaging rapid-fire round where panelists shed light on the crucial elements missing to bridge the divide between legal practice and academia as the digital revolution transforms the legal landscape.
The event culminated in a celebratory launch of a Coffee Table Book by Mr. Jackie Shroff and Mr. Nitin G. Thakker. This commemorative book proudly showcases the remarkable achievements of the alumni of School of Law, UPES.
“Our goal is to not only adapt to these technological changes but to lead and innovate,” added Dr. Abhishek Sinha, Dean, School of Law, UPES. Through a spirit of collaboration, the legal conference yielded strategies to embrace the intriguing intersection of law and emerging technologies in this globalized world.