1. The Early Years until now .. Dr Allison Stanfield
Technology in the Law
The Early Years until now ..
Dr Allison Stanfield

2. The mid to late 1990’s
Courts began to adopt medium neutral citations; previously, publishers “owned” citations
AustLII commenced compiling primary materials for free access
Courts began trialing electronic filing
Beginnings of electronic discovery and electronic trials
Involvement in the Council of Chief Justices’ Electronic Appeals project – recommendations of which all adopted

3. The new millennium HIH Royal Commission (2001-2003)
Completely electronic
Space available in the custom-built courtroom for trolleys but rarely used
Exhibits available electronically
Transcript provided in real time and transmitted via the internet
Practitioners could log in and receive streaming audio, transcript and see documents being referred to by counsel
Media given access to real time transcript and audio/video feed of the hearings

4. The new millennium (cont’d)
Courts began issuing practice notes regarding electronic discovery
Discovery became more complicated, with vast amounts of information being provided on hard drives
Computer forensics grew to assist in document collections
Software and services grew to provide assistance with electronic-to- electronic document discovery
Electronic evidence – a new form of evidence – started to appear

5. 2010 +
now the accepted form of communication between practitioners and their clients, and each other
Courts allow electronic filing of materials & start to insist upon it
MyFiles systems pop up so users can access their files
Electronic courts still for larger matters
Changes in legal practice never seen before

6. 2010 + (cont’d) “Digital disruption” :
Virtual law
Practitioners can work from home
Communication with clients in new ways
Fixed fees
Use of social media
Artificial Intelligence being developed

7. The Future – Law as a Business
The legal profession has been disrupted
Technology has helped remove the mystery
The Future will include:
Lawyers being seen as just another service provider
Barristers will take over more litigation preparation
More AI development

8. The Future – Courts Courts will be completely online
More remote hearings using technology
Changes to Evidence Act will be required

9. Summary Huge changes in a small amount of time
Previously, changes occurred slowly over centuries
Exciting times ahead!

10. Thank You
Dr Allison Stanfield