As of this morning, the first day of the 2025 law term, the Supreme Court’s revised Practice Note on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI), comes into effect, along with related changes to the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules. Practitioners can access the Practice Note on the Supreme Court’s website here.

The revised Practice Note includes minor amendments, following feedback from the profession and others, since the note was first issued late last year, and the Chief Justice’s briefing held in the Banco Court in December.

The Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court has issued a Practice Note in identical terms for his jurisdiction, and the Chief Judge of the District Court has adopted the Supreme Court’s Practice Note “as it may from time to time be amended”.

The Law Society appreciates that the Chief Justice has recognised this is a rapidly developing area, and that the provisions of the Practice Note will be periodically reviewed.

I’m grateful for the work of my predecessor, Brett McGrath, for his work on this issue as one of his priorities for 2024. I also acknowledge the work of the Law Society’s AI Taskforce, consisting of legal and tech experts, as well as senior judicial officers.

From the days of stone tablets, lawyers have adapted to new technology. The Law Society will continue to focus on ensuring we guard the rule of law and the justice system from the risks of evolving technology, while responsibly taking advantage of the benefits it offers.

I encourage members to visit our AI for legal professionals webpage, which features a comprehensive set of resources, including A solicitor’s guide to responsible use of artificial intelligence, the AI Glossary produced in association with LexisNexis, and LawInform’s CPD and educational courses on AI, some of which are free for members.

As early as Thursday, the three-unit ‘Latest developments in legal practice: Mandatory rule 6.1’ live webinar includes a unit on the ethics of using Generative AI, with our Senior Ethics Solicitor Paul Monaghan.

The Law Society is committed to keeping you informed on developments that are relevant to our profession, to continue providing quality CPD to help you navigate emerging risks and benefits, and to advocating on your behalf as to how technology can and should be used to enhance the way the justice system serves the community.

Jennifer Ball, President, Law Society of NSW