🤖 Editor's Introduction ⚖️

“There are two types of lawyers: those who use AI, and those who lie that they don’t.”

With that provocative opening, Editor-in-Chief Siddharth Sijoria launches the inaugural Young Commonwealth Lawyers Newsletter, bringing together perspectives from across the Commonwealth to examine what AI means for legal practice, justice, ethics and the next generation of lawyers.

Artificial Intelligence, Technology-Facilitated Abuse, and the Evolving Legal Response

 In this lead article, CLA President Steven Thiru examines how emerging technologies have transformed the scale, speed, sophistication, and reach of violence against women and girls, and explores five priorities for strengthening legal and institutional responses to protect their rights, dignity, and security in the digital age.

The Algorithm as Expert: Can AI Testify in Court?

If an AI system can produce an expert opinion, can it ever truly be an expert witness? Jason Lim Jie Sheng examines the growing role of AI in expert evidence, asking where the line should be drawn between technological assistance and human expertise — and who remains accountable when the algorithm has the answer. 

Deepfakes and Epistemic Authority in Adjudication: Who May Certify Reality?

If seeing is believing, what happens when seeing can no longer be trusted? In this provocative article, Ana Zdravković and Bojan Spaić explore how deepfakes are forcing courts to confront a fundamental question: who gets to certify reality when reality itself can be convincingly fabricated?

 The Algorithmic Scalpel: AI, The Surgeon Model, And The Reconstruction Of The Indian Judicial Process 

Can artificial intelligence help clear millions of pending cases without compromising the human judgment at the heart of justice? In this thought-provoking article, Utkarsh Kumar Sonkar explores how AI could become the judiciary’s “digital scalpel” — transforming court efficiency while ensuring judges remain firmly in control of the decisions that matter most.

Eavesdropping Algorithms: AI's Challenge to Mediation Ethics and Confidentiality

What happens when an unseen participant enters the mediation room — and it’s not a lawyer, client or mediator, but artificial intelligence? In this timely article, Joel Hames explores whether AI is a powerful new tool for dispute resolution or an uninvited digital eavesdropper that threatens the confidentiality and trust on which mediation depends.

AI and Patents – The Thaler Judgment and The Question of Inventorship 

Can an AI be an inventor — and if not, who owns an invention created by a machine? Fadil Syed Hashmey examines the UK Supreme Court’s landmark Thaler judgment and the growing tension between a patent framework built for human inventors and an AI-driven future.

A Case for Rooted AI Regulation in Commonwealth Courts

As courts across the Commonwealth embrace artificial intelligence, a critical question emerges: whose values are shaping the algorithms that influence justice? In this thought-provoking article, Nitish Rai Parwani explores whether AI governance can be both globally credible and locally grounded—and why the answer may shape the future of justice across the Commonwealth. 

From the Grassroots to the Frontier: How AI Is Democratizing the Legal Profession

AI is opening doors that were once reserved for those with the right connections, mentors and networks. Ooi Wei Qi explores how AI is transforming access to the legal profession—and why the next generation of lawyers must learn to harness it responsibly.

AI and the Law: Why Readiness Must Precede Expansion - A St. Christopher (“St. Kitts”) and Nevis Case Study

Can AI modernise justice if the system itself isn’t ready? Drawing on the experience of St. Kitts and Nevis, Edisha K. Greene examines why AI adoption must go hand in hand with strong governance, digital literacy and human capacity. 

Homegrown Application Of Artificial Intelligence Governance And The Emerging Gaps In Africa

Can Africa build an AI future without simply copying the rest of the world? Chrispin Bosire makes the case that effective AI governance depends not on more legislation, but on stronger enforcement, smarter coordination and institutions built for Africa’s unique realities.

From Answer to Authority: A Citation-First Discipline for AI-Assisted Legal Research

The greatest risk of AI in legal research is not that it gets the law wrong—it is that lawyers stop checking. Shini Kumar and Frederick Antoine make the case for a citation-first discipline that puts authority, accountability and professional judgment back at the centre of legal practice.

🎉 One More Chance to Save: Early Bird Deadline Extended to 6 October

Missed the original deadline? By popular demand, early bird registration for the Silver Jubilee 25th Commonwealth Law Conference 2027 Darwin has been extended until 6 October—giving you extra time to lock in preferential rates and be part of this landmark gathering in Darwin

The Countdown to Kigali Is On – Register Today

Africa’s legal landscape is changing. Are you in the room? Join leading lawyers and legal minds in Kigali from 28–30 October 2026 for three days of bold ideas, critical conversations and connections shaping the future of law across Africa. Register now and be part of the Africa Legal Forum

2026.Beyond the conference, experience one of Africa's most captivating destinations—from breathtaking volcanoes and ancient rainforests to unforgettable wildlife encounters, exceptional hospitality and some of the world's finest coffee.

Discover why Kigali is the perfect setting for three days of thought leadership, collaboration and meaningful professional connections. 

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