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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Dean, School of Law, American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Professor Mohammed Bello Magaji has advised future lawyers to be grounded in digital age to meet challenges and opportunities posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies for legal fireworks.
“The evolving intersection of technology and law presents both opportunities and challenges for the legal profession. As the digital age reshapes traditional legal roles, future lawyers must be proactive in acquiring the skills, knowledge, and ethical grounding needed to thrive in this new landscape”. Magaji said.
He said future lawyers must also be vigilant not to go against the ethics of the law because technologies cannot be wholly relied upon in legal adjudication.
Professor Magaji delivered a paper, titled “The Intersection of Technology and Law:, at the Nigerian Law School, Yola Campus, penultimate Thursday. He made the paper available to Daily Sun in Kaduna.
“By embracing technology and advocating for its responsible use, the next generation of legal professionals can not only navigate the future of law but also lead its transformation. As legal practitioners, educators, and policymakers, we have a collective responsibility to prepare for this future”.Magaji said.
The Professor of law noted that legal profession, deeply rooted in tradition, is undergoing a profound transformation in the face of rapid technological advancements, “from Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshaping legal research to blockchain technology revolutionizing contracts, the evolving intersection of technology and law demands that future legal practitioners adapt to new tools, methodologies, and ethical considerations”.
He added that his paper presentation was aimed at exploring how technology is transforming the legal landscape and outline strategies for preparing future lawyers to navigate the digital age effectively.
According to him, “The integration of AI and other technologies raises ethical concerns. For instance, who bears responsibility when AI provides inaccurate legal advice? How can client confidentiality be maintained in digital ecosystems? Future lawyers must grapple with these questions as they embrace technology.
“Gaps technological advancements often outpace regulatory frameworks, leaving legal practitioners in uncharted territory. Addressing issues such as the legality of smart contracts or the admissibility of AI-generated evidence requires proactive legal reform.
“While technology promises to democratize access to legal services, disparities in acces, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria remain a significant hurdle. Bridging the digital divide will be essential to ensure equitable access to justice.
“Preparing Future Lawyers for the Digital age, Law schools must integrate technology-focused courses into their curricula. Topics such as AI ethics, cybersecurity, blockchain, and digital forensics should become staples of legal education. Practical training in using legal tech tools will also be crucial.
“The pace of technological change requires continuous learning. Future lawyers must cultivate a mindset of adaptability, staying updated with emerging trends and tools through professional development programs and certifications.
“The intersection of technology and law necessitates collaboration with technologists, data scientists, and policymakers. Lawyers who understand the language of technology will be better equipped to navigate complex, multidisciplinary challenges.
“Future lawyers must champion the development and implementation of technologies that bridge, rather than exacerbate, the justice gap. Ensuring that innovations are accessible to underserved populations will be a key responsibility”.
