Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping courts and legal systems across Asia‑Pacific. In this episode of Cross‑Examined, we speak with Eric Chin, Asia Pacific Director of New Law at PwC, about how AI and generative AI are being adopted by courts from Singapore and China to Australia and beyond. Eric shares best practice example of using AI for legal research, judgment support, small claims assistance and even access‑to‑justice initiatives. The conversation examines what Australian legal practitioners can learn from their Asia‑Pacific neighbours about adopting AI.

Guest:

1. Eric Chin, Asia Pacific Director of New Law Practice and the Legal Generative AI Initiative Lead, PwC
2. Founding board member of the ASEAN Legal Tech Association, co-founder of Legal Hackers Melbourne and co-creator of the Global Legal Tech Report
3. Expert in legal innovation, legal process digitisation and generative AI solutions for law firms and in-house legal teams.
4. www.linkedin.com/in/ericjychin/

Host:

1. Karen Finch, Head of Legal Policy and Innovation, Law Institute of Victoria
2. [email protected] | www.linkedin.com/in/karen-finch/

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes courts and legal systems across the Asia-Pacific region, this episode explores how leading legal jurisdictions are adopting AI – and what Australian lawyers can learn from those experiences.

Eric Chin, Asia Pacific Director of New Law at PwC, unpacks the innovative ways AI and generative AI are being used in the courts in APAC countries such as Singapore and China. He shares real-world examples of how generative AI is supporting legal research, judgement analysis, small claims assistance and access-to-justice initiatives, offering valuable insights into the future of tech-supported justice.

This episode also examines the key legal, ethical and professional challenges associated with AI in courts. Listeners will gain practical guidance on identifying reliable resources that Australian lawyers can use to adopt AI ethically and effectively in their legal practice.

Timestamps:

1. [00:12] Intro and guest welcome
2. [01:30] Recent research into AI adoption in Asia-Pacific courts
3. [03:00] The history of AI and the legal profession
4. [05:10] Singapore’s innovative approach to AI
5. [07:23] The AI framework in Chinese courts
6. [10:45] The greatest AI challenges in APAC
7. [13:44] How AI in Australia’s legal system compares
8. [14:52] How AI can improve access to justice
9. [16:28] Finding reliable information on AI adoption
10. [17:24] Embracing AI within the legal profession in a safe way

Key Takeaways:

1. Generative AI is being adopted at varying speeds across Asia-Pacific courts, with jurisdictions implementing AI tools based on judicial priorities and technological readiness.
2. Singapore is considered a leader in legal AI, particularly in using AI to improve access to justice, streamline court processes and support self-represented litigants.
3. Chinese courts are highly proactive in regulating and strengthening AI technologies designed to strengthen judicial efficiency and court system compliance.
4. Other APAC regions, including Australia, are piloting generative AI tools, especially for legal drafting, document review and chronology building.
5. Courts are taking measured approaches to AI adoption to safeguard judicial independence and preserve public trust in legal systems.
6. Generative AI has potential to enhance pro bono work, particularly by assisting with initial client queries and administrative support for community legal services.
7. The LIV AI Hub is a trusted and reliable resource for Australian lawyers seeking guidance on AI adoption in legal practice.

Resources & Links:

1. Artificial Intelligence Hub – The LIV’s AI Hub, providing essential resources
2. Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence – LIV AI Ethics Guidelines
3. Supervising AI – Article from the LIV’s Legal Practitioner’s Liability Committee
4. AI and democracy – LIJ article by The Honourable Justice Melissa Perry
5. Main Home - ALTA – The Australian Legal Technology Alliance
6. Critical skills: Defensible use of AI in legal practice – LIJ article by Tom Bennett-Mitrovski, a legal technology specialist based in Singapore
7. Asia-Pacific Legal Innovation and Technology Association
8. Media Release: New Generative AI-powered Case Summarisation Tool to Help Small Claims Tribunals Users – Media release from the Singapore Government Courts
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About Cross-Examined:

Cross-Examined is a new podcast from the Law Institute of Victoria. Tune in to hear experts discuss hot topics in the law and the changes shaping the legal profession. Regular episodes will cover everything from AI and cyber threats to ethical dilemmas, workplace taboos and practice management insights.

This podcast is recorded on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. The Law Institute of Victoria acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country across Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Disclaimer:

The content provided in this podcast is for general information and educational purposes. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Law Institute of Victoria.

The information presented should not be taken as legal advice. Listeners should seek independent legal advice for specific matters. The Law Institute of Victoria offers a Find Your Lawyer referral service which includes a free consultation with a lawyer to discuss your needs. For more information go to www.liv.asn.au/referral.

Production Information:

1. Produced by: The Law Institute of Victoria
2. Producer and audio editor: Garreth Hanley
3. Music: Garreth Hanley
4. Copy and show notes: Louise Surette

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