Cross-Examined

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping courts and legal systems across Asia‑Pacific. In this episode of Cross‑Examined, we speak with Eric Chin, Asia Pacific Director of New Law at PwC, about how AI and generative AI are being adopted by courts from Singapore and China to Australia and beyond. Eric shares best practice example of using AI for legal research, judgment support, small claims assistance and even access‑to‑justice initiatives. The conversation examines what Australian legal practitioners can learn from their Asia‑Pacific neighbours about adopting AI.Guest: Eric Chin, Asia Pacific Director of New Law Practice and the Legal Generative AI Initiative Lead, PwCFounding board member of the ASEAN Legal Tech Association, co-founder of Legal Hackers Melbourne and co-creator of the Global Legal Tech ReportExpert in legal innovation, legal process digitisation and generative AI solutions for law firms and in-house legal teams.www.linkedin.com/in/ericjychin/ Host:Karen Finch, Head of Legal Policy and Innovation, Law Institute of Victoriakfinch@liv.asn.au | www.linkedin.com/in/karen-finch/As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes courts and legal systems across the Asia-Pacific region, this episode explores how leading legal jurisdictions are adopting AI – and what Australian lawyers can learn from those experiences.Eric Chin, Asia Pacific Director of New Law at PwC, unpacks the innovative ways AI and generative AI are being used in the courts in APAC countries such as Singapore and China. He shares real-world examples of how generative AI is supporting legal research, judgement analysis, small claims assistance and access-to-justice initiatives, offering valuable insights into the future of tech-supported justice.This episode also examines the key legal, ethical and professional challenges associated with AI in courts. Listeners will gain practical guidance on identifying reliable resources that Australian lawyers can use to adopt AI ethically and effectively in their legal practice.Timestamps:[00:12] Intro and guest welcome[01:30] Recent research into AI adoption in Asia-Pacific courts[03:00] The history of AI and the legal profession[05:10] Singapore’s innovative approach to AI[07:23] The AI framework in Chinese courts[10:45] The greatest AI challenges in APAC[13:44] How AI in Australia’s legal system compares[14:52] How AI can improve access to justice[16:28] Finding reliable information on AI adoption[17:24] Embracing AI within the legal profession in a safe wayKey Takeaways:Generative AI is being adopted at varying speeds across Asia-Pacific courts, with jurisdictions implementing AI tools based on judicial priorities and technological readiness.Singapore is considered a leader in legal AI, particularly in using AI to improve access to justice, streamline court processes and support self-represented litigants.Chinese courts are highly proactive in regulating and strengthening AI technologies designed to strengthen judicial efficiency and court system compliance.Other APAC regions, including Australia, are piloting generative AI tools, especially for legal drafting, document review and chronology building.Courts are taking measured approaches to AI adoption to safeguard judicial independence and preserve public trust in legal systems.Generative AI has potential to enhance pro bono work, particularly by assisting with initial client queries and administrative support for community legal services.The LIV AI Hub is a trusted and reliable resource for Australian lawyers seeking guidance on AI adoption in legal practice.Resources & Links:Artificial Intelligence Hub – The LIV’s AI Hub, providing essential resourcesEthical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence – LIV AI Ethics GuidelinesSupervising AI – Article from the LIV’s Legal Practitioner’s Liability CommitteeAI and democracy – LIJ article by The Honourable Justice Melissa PerryMain Home - ALTA – The Australian Legal Technology AllianceCritical skills: Defensible use of AI in legal practice – LIJ article by Tom Bennett-Mitrovski, a legal technology specialist based in SingaporeAsia-Pacific Legal Innovation and Technology AssociationMedia Release: New Generative AI-powered Case Summarisation Tool to Help Small Claims Tribunals Users – Media release from the Singapore Government CourtsFor the latest insights on Victorian legal developments and to hear directly from leading voices in the profession, subscribe toCross-Examined podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or visit the Law Institute of Victoria website.Follow us on LinkedIn for legal insights and episode updates.Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating to help other legal practitioners find and benefit from the series.About Cross-Examined:Cross-Examined is a new podcast from the Law Institute of Victoria. Tune in to hear experts discuss hot topics in the law and the changes shaping the legal profession. Regular episodes will cover everything from AI and cyber threats to ethical dilemmas, workplace taboos and practice management insights.This podcast is recorded on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. The Law Institute of Victoria acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country across Australia. We pay our respects to...

Are “robo-judges” fuelled by artificial intelligence set to decide cases in Victorian courts? Absolutely not, according to The Honourable Richard Niall, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, but AI technology does present significant opportunities for the judicial system.In this conversation, we delve into how Victorian courts are already using artificial intelligence, including several promising pilot projects, as well as future opportunities for efficiency, staff wellbeing and cost reduction. We also discuss the risks, including hallucinated citations, deepfakes, data privacy and unlicensed legal practice.Guest:The Honourable Chief Justice Richard Niall of the Supreme Court of Victoriawww.supremecourt.vic.gov.auHost:Karen Finch, Head of Legal Policy and Innovation, Law Institute of Victoriakfinch@liv.asn.au | www.linkedin.com/in/karen-finchEpisode Overview:In this episode of Cross-Examined, Chief Justice Richard Niall of the Supreme Court of Victoria discusses the early implementation of AI in the court system in Victoria and how legal technology and court innovation are beginning to align in promising ways.One example of experimental AI use is the pilot program at the Coroner’s Court, which uses tech to summarise large volumes of frequently traumatic statements to speed up investigations and reduce staff exposure to distressing material. Another is the judicial use of AI in Supreme Court’s exploratory work, where AI is used to assist judges with tasks like identifying competing arguments and summarising evidence.The Chief Justice points to other opportunities of technology, including reduction in legal costs and facilitating broader access to justice for the Victorian community.The risks of AI in legal practice are very real and widespread, including hallucinated citations, deepfakes, privacy concerns and unlicensed legal practice. The Chief Justice calls for a measured and careful approach to AI adoption, while also emphasising that AI must only ever augment, never replace, human analysis and judgment in decision making.Topics & Timestamps:[00:24] Intro and guest welcome[02:07] Current level of AI adoption in the Victorian justice system[04:36] AI pilot projects under way in Victorian courts[11:35] Hallucinations, deepfakes and unlicensed legal practice[25:05] The role of the judge in an era of AI[33:54] How AI could influence costs and access to justice[35:44] The future of AI and the lawKey Takeaways:Victoria is taking a careful but optimistic approach to implementing AI in courts and tribunals.AI is already being tested in Victorian courts, including a pilot in the Coroner’s Court that uses AI to summarise case material.The Supreme Court is testing AI on completed cases to help summarise evidence or identify key issues.The dangers of using AI in the legal system include hallucinated case citations, deepfakes, privacy concerns and unlicensed legal practice using AI tools.AI policies must remain technology‑agnostic and flexible, so they don’t become obsolete as AI capabilities rapidly advance.AI must augment, not replace, judicial decision making.Resources & Links:LIV Artificial Intelligence Hub – essential and up-to-date AI resources for Victorian practitionersThe Supreme Court of VictoriaEthical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence – LIV AI Ethics GuidelinesArtificial Intelligence in Victoria’s Courts and Tribunal – Report from the VLRCTechnology at the Court | Coroners Court of VictoriaArtificial Intelligence (AI) in the Law for Legal Practitioners – The Law Library of Victoria“Supervising AI” – LIJ article by the Legal Practitioner’s Liability Committee“AI and democracy” – LIJ article by The Honourable Justice Melissa PerryFor the latest insights on Victorian legal developments and to hear directly from leading voices in the profession, subscribe to Cross-Examined on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or visit the Law Institute of Victoria website.Follow us on LinkedIn for legal insights and episode updates.Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating to help other legal practitioners find and benefit from the series.About This Podcast:Cross-Examined is a new podcast from the Law Institute of Victoria. Tune in to hear experts discuss hot topics in the law and the changes shaping the legal profession. Regular episodes will cover everything from AI and cyber threats to ethical dilemmas, workplace taboos and practice management insights.This podcast is recorded on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. The Law Institute of Victoria acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country across Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional legal advice. The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV). The LIV is not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Listeners should seek independent legal advice for their matters.Production Information:Produced by: The Law Institute of VictoriaProducer and audio editor: Garreth HanleyMusic: Garreth HanleyCopy and show notes: Louise SuretteConnect With Us:📧 Email: podcasts@liv.asn.auspan

The law never stops evolving. Now, Victorian lawyers have a new way to stay informed.Cross-examined is a new podcast from the Law Institute of Victoria. Tune in to hear experts on hot topics in the law and the changes shaping the legal profession.Regular episodes will cover everything from AI and cyber threats to ethical dilemmas, workplace taboos and practice management insights. To make sure you don’t miss our first episodes, landing in early 2026.Find and subscribe to Cross-Examined on your favourite podcast app today.