In October 2019, the Federation of Law Societies of Canada amended its Model Code rule on competence to include explicit reference to technological competence. Several provincial and territorial law societies, including Alberta, have incorporated this amendment into their respective codes. The fact that there now exists a formal duty of technological competence raises the question of what, exactly, does this duty entail? What does this duty require from lawyers?

In this presentation, Professor Amy Salyzyn presents “6As” taxonomy for thinking about lawyer technological competence – modern lawyers need be Automated, Aware (of technological risks), operate as Avatars (i.e. competently deliver services digitally), use AI to Augment their legal practices, be Acquainted with emerging AI technologies and be Attentive to how AI in being used in the justice system.

This on-demand program was originally broadcasted as a webinar as part of our Alberta Legal Technology Conference on May 19, 2021. Total running time is 1 hour, 27 minutes.

Thank you to our conference sponsor, Stewart Title.