Brian McElligott- Partner, Technology Law Team and Head of AI Team- Mason Hayes & Curran (Ireland)

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Brian McElligott
Speaking at WLG | summit Rome '23
Partner, Technology Law Team & Head of AI Team
Mason Hayes & Curran (Ireland)
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1. Briefly describe your practice.

I re-joined Mason Hayes & Curran in January of 2023 having spent time in-house as Chief Intellectual Property counsel with an Irish AI fintech start-up. During that time, I gained significant experience in operationalising and commercialising AI platforms and solutions. Mason Hayes & Curran is the only law firm in Ireland with a dedicated AI practice, of which I am head. Currently I am doing a lot of work with AI providers and creators, particularly in the US, who are looking to measure their AI products and AI product roadmap against the draft AI Act in order to anticipate their near term compliance obligation. I also work with clients adopting AI technology, particularly in the GenAI space. Often, they face a lesser compliance obligation under the AI Act in addition to addressing immediate issues with compliance under GDPR.

2. You will be speaking on the Laying the Groundwork for AI: A Preliminary Overview panel at WLG | summit Rome '23, can you share a preview of how you see the rise is AI impacting the future of law and client relationships? –

Since the beginning of 2023, the legal world has been buzzing with the hype surrounding GenAI and how it will transform our profession. Now that initial hype phase is beginning to settle, some trends are emerging. Adoption of the technology into law firms is not as easy as first thought because the general nature of GenAI does not lend itself to a "plug and play” type of use. Careful selection of use cases specifically designed to match known inefficiencies and workflow optimisation is the path to success, as is the tailoring of this technology to law firm knowledge bases. Significant gains are there for those who are willing to invest time and resources in making the technology work for them.

3. What guidance would you provide young lawyers who want to build a successful career in a growing or trending field like AI?

Subject to firm guidelines and guardrails, they should seek to experiment as much as possible with the technology. Learn the basics of what the technology is and is not capable of. There are plenty of free, basic, high-standard courses available online from organisations like Google to Deep Learning. The more you understand the technology the better equipped you will be to use it in an efficient and safe manner. Proficient use will cut hours off your week!

4. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

Apart from family time I love cycling, either on the road or in the mountains!