TechLaw.Fest 2024, the conference organised by Singapore’s Academy of Law (SAL) and Ministry of Law (MOL), has become the focal point for a number of significant announcements, including a GenAI collaboration between SAL and Microsoft Singapore, as well as a new Copilot module launched by MOL and US-headquartered matter management platform Lupl.
A Memorandum of Understanding signalling the GenAI collaboration was signed this morning (11 September) at the conference by Yeong Zee Kin, chief executive of SAL, and Mike Yeh, vice president and deputy general counsel for corporate, external and legal affairs for Microsoft Asia.
The collaboration will curate and develop resources to help the legal profession use GenAI more effectively and ethically in different areas. A guide, and other resources will be available for free on SAL’s website. The first of these resources—a guide for using AI prompt engineering to harness the power of LLMs—was launched today. The guide, which includes video demonstrations, aims to cultivate effective prompt engineering skills specifically for legal contexts. Users will learn how to structure clear, precise prompts to generate accurate and relevant outcomes. The guide also provides best practices and cautions against common pitfalls when utilising GenAI tools. SAL also plans to run a foundational course for lawyers.
Zee Kin welcomed the collaboration with Microsoft, commenting: “GenAI is transforming the legal landscape by being an effective partner in the lawyer’s office, helping them automate tasks with a precision and accuracy we have never seen before. This collaboration bridges that potential with the end users, so that we equip the entire profession, regardless of practice area, with the tools they need for efficiency and that help uphold the highest ethical standards in an increasingly AI-driven world.”
Elsewhere, MOL and Lupl today officially launched a Copilot for SG Law Firms module for Lupl’s Legal Technology Platform (LTP, its legal matter management platform.) The module integrates Copilot for Microsoft 365 into LTP. Users will be able to use AI to scope matters; get updates on tasks, progress and risks; stay on top of deadlines; monitor and manage team workload and update clients.
Managing director of Microsoft Singapore, Lee Hui Li, said: “Microsoft is thrilled to be collaborating with the Ministry of Law and Lupl to bring the transformative power of Copilot to the legal industry. By embedding Copilot for Microsoft 365 into the Legal Technology Platform, we’re pioneering Singapore’s first sector-specific AI solution, streamlining legal workflows and boosting efficiency. This integration sets a new standard for innovation in the legal sector, and Microsoft is committed to furthering this work to enable all of Singapore’s industries to benefit from AI.”
Interestingly MOL with support from Enterprise Singapore and the Infocomm Media Development Authority, provides funding support to defray the initial costs of subscribing to the LTP. Successful applicants may receive funding support of 70% via the Productivity Solutions Grant for the Legal Sector (PSG-Legal) for up to two years when they adopt the LTP and the ‘Copilot for SG Law Firms’ module. Interested firms should apply before 31 March 2025.
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