Lander & Rogers Stages Human vs. NexLaw AI Mock Trial at SXSW Sydney: Reported by Australasian Lawyer

Lander & Rogers staged an engaging mock trial at SXSW Sydney on October 15, pitting human intelligence against artificial intelligence (AI) in a courtroom. This innovative trial addressed a relatable legal issue while exploring the implications of AI in court.

Two randomly selected audience members took the stand, with Jeanette Merjane, senior associate and innovation manager at Lander & Rogers, representing one side. She noted the importance of understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations in legal settings, stating, “This mock trial showcased the strengths and weaknesses of both human and AI intelligence.”

The second participant used the exclusive legal AI tool NexLaw, supported by Kenneth Leung, a technology lawyer at Lander & Rogers.

Courtney Blackman, head of partnerships and director of the LawTech Hub, hosted the trial, highlighting its goal to examine the “intersection of AI and the law.” She asked, “Can individuals represent themselves in court with an AI assistant?”

David Lindsay, a UTS professor specializing in law and technology, presided as judge, expressing eagerness to see how AI compared to human lawyers. The mock trial offered valuable insights into the future of AI in the justice system.