Shaping the future of AI-driven digital rule of law at legal technology forum
In recent years, the global wave of digitalisation has accelerated, with artificial intelligence (AI) transforming various industries, including the landscape of legal services. To explore the future of AI integration in this sector and support the national strategy for “Digital Rule of Law”, which aims to foster innovation within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), PolyU recently hosted the forum “Envision the Future of AI-Powered Legal Services” on 26 April.
This event highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the legal sector and was jointly organised by PolyU’s Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT) and the Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship Office (KTEO). It brought together over 150 leading figures from the legal and technology sectors and attracted nearly 190,000 online participants.
During the forum, Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Director of PReCIT (left), emphasised Hong Kong’s potential as a bridge between the Mainland and global markets, advocating for cross-border cooperation in legal technology. Mr Liu Chunhua, Director-General of Legal Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (right), emphasised the importance of developing local productivity, advancing the "Artificial Intelligence +" initiative, and leveraging Hong Kong's unique strengths to enhance innovation in the legal industry and contribute to Chinese-style modernisation.
AI transforming legal services
The discussion featured insights from industry leaders, including Professor Lu Haitian, Hong Kong Sustaintech Foundation Professor in Accounting and Finance and a core member of PReCIT, who presented groundbreaking research on AI applications in legal services in his keynote speech titled “AI and the Future of Legal Services". He highlighted that AI empowers legal professionals, enhancing efficiency rather than replacing human expertise.
In addition, two panel discussions were held featuring prominent legal technology experts and industry leaders from the GBA. The first panel focused on “Envisioning a New Paradigm for Legal Services”, while the second addressed “The Infinite Future of AI+Industry Based on Large Models”. These discussions provided valuable insights into the opportunities and developments of AI in legal services and its collaborative growth with industry.
Innovative smart legal platform launch
A significant highlight was the debut of Wiselaw Digital Technology, a startup incubated under PolyVentures. Its key offerings in legal services include legal AI agents, deep search capabilities, a toolbox, and a legal library, representing the inaugural launch of AI-driven innovations in both legal academia and the industry.
Founded by Professor Lu Haitan, Wiselaw Digital Technology is Hong Kong’s first innovative tech firm utilising large-model intelligent agents for cross-border legal and compliance solutions. The company aims to seamlessly integrate AI with expert legal knowledge to assist Chinese enterprises expanding globally, as well as international financial institutions and foreign-related law firms. Wiselaw has secured funding from PolyU’s Angel Fund (TSSSU+) and support from the PolyVentures startup ecosystem.
Looking ahead, PolyU aims to continue driving innovation in legal services, reinforcing the national vision of a “Digital Rule of Law”. The forum underscored the importance of AI in modernising legal practices and fostering a new era of legal services.
(from left to right) Panelists of “Envisioning a New Paradigm of Legal Services” included Ms Zhang Yunyan, Senior Partner of Jincheng Tongda & Neal Law Firm; Barrister Ambrose Lam, Member of the Legislative Council and former President of the Hong Kong Law Society; Ms Zhao Tong, Chief Compliance Officer and Head of Legal and Compliance of Guotai Junan International Holdings Limited; Mr Huang Haifeng, Partner at Jones Day; and Ms Yu Su, Partner of JunHe LLP’s Guangzhou office, The Executive Director of Guangdong Lawyers Association; and Mr Anthony Siu, Founder of Anthony Siu & Co. Solicitors & Notaries.
Distinguished guests included Mr Liu Chunhua (4th from right); Barrister Ambrose Lam, (2nd from right); The Hon Duncan Chiu, Member of the Legislative Council and President of the Hong Kong Information Technology Joint Council (4th from left); Mr Cai Yi, Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Managing Director of Hong Kong Chengsheng Co., Ltd. (3rd from left); Mr Yao Maolong, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and President of the Hong Kong Jiangsu Federation of Community Organisations (2nd from left); Mr Wong Kai-yi, former Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (right); Prof. Miranda Lou, PolyU Executive Vice President (centre); Prof. Chao (3rd from right); and Prof. Lu Haitian (left).
The forum “Envision the Future of AI-Powered Legal Services” drew over 150 participants on site and nearly 190,000 online views.
