By Henry Ea -
A distinguished figure in law and academia, Mimi Zou is known for her pioneering work in exploring the intersection of law and technology. Her expertise spans entrepreneurship, government advisory roles, and law professorship. Currently, she is the Head of the School of Private & Commercial Law at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
A central theme in Zou’s research is the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain on private and commercial law. Her academic journey has taken her across the globe, with notable positions at esteemed institutions in the UK and Hong Kong. She held a Chair in Commercial Law at the University of Exeter and was the first to hold a Fellowship in Chinese Law at the University of Oxford.
She will be bringing her extensive knowledge to the Law Society’s Annual Conference in October as a member of the AI and Technology Deep Dive panel. Appearing alongside Dr Allan McCay, Co-Director of The Sydney Institute of Criminology, and Charlotte Morson, Principal Solicitor at The Legal Costs Consultants, the panel will dive into AI’s implications on the legal profession and how we can discern the truth from the imagined. From neurotech’s opportunities to privacy law’s limitations, it’ll be an insightful exploration into the brave new frontiers in law that are coming for us, whether we are ready or not.
“As AI rapidly changes our world, we must harness its potential while safeguarding the principles of justice,” Zou says.
Zou’s passion for legal innovation led her to establish Oxford Law Faculty’s first law tech research and innovation lab in 2019. She also actively advises governments on legal and technological matters. She is a member of the LawtechUK Panel and a senior independent expert, providing guidance to the UK Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary on topics ranging from new technologies and data governance to open justice.
Her influence extends to international bodies as well, contributing to various taskforces and panels on digital law and governance, including those under the G7, World Economic Forum, World Bank Group, and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT).
Zou’s academic achievements are complemented by her honorary and visiting appointments at prestigious institutions like Columbia University, the University of Zurich, Peking University, and others. Her diverse experience and insightful research make her a leading voice in shaping the legal landscape in the face of technological advancements and we’re looking forward to her valuable contribution to the panel.
“At this year’s conference, I look forward to discussing how new technologies can transform the legal sector and how lawyers can shape the legal and ethical compass for the use of AI,” Zou says.
