Law Council collaborates with Federal Court on generative AI guidelines for legal proceedings
30 May 2025
On 29 April 2025, the President of the Law Council, Juliana Warner, met with the Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia to discuss a range of matters relating to the legal profession’s engagement with the Federal Court.
A key point of discussion was the Federal Court’s interest in developing a practice note or guidance on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in proceedings. As per the Chief Justice’s media statement dated 28 March 2025, the Federal Court is eager to ensure that any practice note or guidance appropriately balances the interests of the administration of justice with the responsible use of emergent technologies in a way that fairly and efficiently contributes to the work of the Court.
At the Chief Justice’s request, the Law Council has undertaken to continue to engage with the Federal Court on the development of a Generative AI practice note or guidelines, and is in the process of formally consulting with each of its Constituent Bodies. The views and insights from state and territory peak bodies represents a critical step in progressing this work, noting that several jurisdictions have already developed (or are in the process of developing) similar guidance or practice notes.
This engagement with the Federal Court builds on the release of the Law Council’s online portal on AI and the legal profession, which is designed to provide a centralised source of information to support legal professionals in understanding and responding to the opportunities, limitations, and risks presented by AI, including generative AI.
The Law Council will continue to work closely with the Federal Court as it gives further consideration to this evolving and important issue.
Last Updated on 27/05/2025