AI & Automation in Law and Diversity and Inclusion in Legal Profession

Instructions

This workbook is split into three exercises.  The suggested word limit for each exercise is indicated, along with the marks allocated for that section.  You will only be penalised if you exceed the overall word limit of 2,500 words but we advise that you adhere to the word limit of each section to ensure you maximize your marks.   Each question is worth one third of the overall marks for the assessment.

Exercise 1

Read the True North Report prepared by Brabners available on Blackboard and consider the following extract from the report:-

‘The acceleration of automation and AI means that the skills employers are looking for are constantly changing. Organisations should therefore consider more flexible routes into work for potential talent, which focus on soft skills and potential, over polished CVs. They must also think about how they retain and reskill existing members of their workforce.’

Critically evaluate the statement and using evidence to support your evaluation say to what extent you agree with this statement.

You may wish to consider the following in reaching your conclusion:

• How AI & Automation are affecting legal practices
• What skills are employers looking for now and in the future
• What is your understanding of a flexible route in to work
• How would you approach retention and upskilling existing staff in a law firm.

Word limit: 1000

Exercise 2 

In the context of the legal profession, critically assess the state of diversity and inclusion, and provide real world examples together with relevant authorities to support your discussion in one of the following areas:

Either:

Barriers in the legal profession relating to diversity and inclusion

Or

Rationale for promoting diversity and inclusion

Word limit: 750

Exercise 3

Alex was a passenger on a flight from Edinburgh to London. At the airport, Alex purchased a bottle of alcohol and then consumed a substantial amount of it before his flight to London. During the flight, Alex became disruptive- he was continuously swearing and shouting, and he also refused to conform with the instructions of the cabin crew. In response to Alex’s behavior, cabin crew members have decided to restrain him using handcuffs, and the flight was diverted to the nearest airport, Birmingham. When the airplane landed, cabin crew members handed Alex over to the authorities.

Alex is now seeking legal advice from a pro bono clinic claiming that it was his right to consume alcohol that he has legally bought at the airport and that the safety of passengers on the flight was not endangered by his behavior. He, therefore, argues that the cabin crew did not have any right to restrain him, and that the airline should not have diverted the plane.

As a lawyer in the pro bono clinic, the senior partner has tasked you with writing a 500-word letter to Alex advising him of the legality of the actions that were taken by the airline and cabin crew members, and the possible consequences that Alex could face for how he acted on the plane. In 250 words, write a memo to the senior partner explaining the relevant law that you have relied on to provide the letter of advice to the client.

Word limit: 750

For the purpose of the letter word limit do not count the greeting, address and sign off.