Our Mission

 

The Future of Law Lab based at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law focuses on experiential learning, research, policy development, and inter-disciplinary knowledge sharing. We operate at the intersection of law, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for students, academics, lawyers, and the community to examine the changing face of law and the legal profession. 

 

The Future of Law Lab has the broad mandate to explore what lawyers practice, how they practice, and the new ways in which they practice in a rapidly changing legal landscape. We explore our mandate in three key areas: academia, legal practice, and experiential education. Within each of these areas, we delve into subjects that include, among others, artificial intelligence, climate change, financial regulation, privacy, cybersecurity, access to justice, competition law, space, legal technology, leadership development, public speaking, and legal design.

 

We recognize that legal needs will evolve in a changing world, and we aim to be at the forefront of innovation. 

How do we accomplish our mission?

WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

The Future of Law Lab provides initiatives ranging from speaker series, hack-a-thons, workshops, and more. 

Check out our What's Happening page for more information on upcoming events.

 

COURSES & FACULTY RESEARCH

COURSES & FACULTY RESEARCH

The Future of Law Lab spotlights and supports the many courses offered at the Faculty that examine the future of law, ranging from Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to Data Governance, to Law and Emerging Technologies. 

The Faculty also has world-renowned Faculty members who are investigating the questions that will drive society’s responses to technology and its impacts. Check our Twitter for links to recent publications.

 

CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

The Future of Law Lab promotes experiential and cross-disciplinary learning as an opportunity for students to develop their skillsets, both during the academic year and in the form of summer employment.

What is the Future of Law Lab Focused On?

The Future of Law Lab’s activities will focus on five key themes: 

1. The Legal Industry

 

How will the profession change amid new developments in law, policy, regulation, business models, delivery methods, partnerships, and global competition? How will law firms be structured? What will the profession look like and which skills will lawyers need to thrive in the future? 

2. Technology

 

How will technology affect the lives of citizens and how will the legal system need to respond? How will technology affect the way laws are made and how they are understood by citizens? How will technology change the legal profession and the way legal services are delivered? How might direct-to-consumer legal technology services impact the profession? What role will data analytics, machine-learning, and artificial intelligence play? 

3. Innovation

 

How will legal processes evolve in the coming years? How can we best develop laws and technologies that will benefit society? How can lawyers better deliver value to their clients? How can we cultivate a spirit of innovation in law students today? 

4. Entrepreneurship

 

What do entrepreneurs need to know about the law to set themselves up for success? How will legal policy influence entrepreneurial ventures? How can small business owners better interact with the law? How can we encourage creativity and experimentation among law students? 

5. Access to Justice

 

Can we redesign the justice system to better suit the needs of Canadians?