King and Wood Mallesons (KWM) is partnering with the University of Queensland (UQ) to foster entrepreneurialism and collaboration in the next generation of legal talent through a $10,000 prize for the most innovative legal technology concept.
The first of its kind in Australia, the #transformlaw KWM Prize is designed to get students thinking about the role artificial intelligence and technology play in the legal industry, as well as the legal, ethical and commercial issues these technologies create. It also aims to encourage knowledge sharing across university disciplines, to promote collaboration and identify synergies.
Over the course of a semester, multi-disciplinary teams will develop proposals for the application of a new technology in legal practice. Mentors will be provided to assist entrants in the process of generating ideas and assessing their suitability in the workplace. Shortlisted teams will present to a panel of academic and industry experts. Entrants may also have the opportunity to work with the university's incubator should they wish to progress their business proposal.
Executive Director, Innovation at King &Wood Mallesons, Michelle Mahoney said the prize will familiarise students with the technologies disrupting the legal industry prior to entering the workforce.
"Our industry is being transformed by digital enablers which is impacting way we work and the way we service our clients. This competition encourages students to explore the role of technology in the future of law and develop digital fluency and agility that will help them succeed in their careers," she said.
Professor Patrick Parkinson, UQ Dean of Law, said: "The competition is one of many initiatives the School is taking in law, science and technology to explore the issues that are going to challenge tomorrows' lawyers and to give our graduates the best possible skills to succeed in their careers."
The #transformlawKWM is due to kick-off in the second semester of the 2019 academic year.
