On May 15, the annual international student scientific conference "Law and Emerging Technologies" once again brought together legal and tech minds from around the globe. Co-hosted by KNEU (Kyiv National Economics University) and BU (Bournemouth University), this year’s event focused on the powerful—and sometimes provocative—intersections of AI and the law.

The conference was graciously moderated by the ever-committed Dr. Olena Titova and Joseph McMullen, with a special nod to Dr. Steph Allen as the visionary founder and Volodymyr Machuskyy for his strategic contribution behind the scenes.

Dr. Matthew Watkins, FHEA, brought a brilliant blend of theoretical insight and practical perspective to the conference, adding a valuable spark to the discussions.

The event opened with keynote messages by Dr. Titova, who reflected on the evolution of our cross-institutional collaboration, and Joseph McMullen, who championed critical discussion and the freedom to challenge assumptions.

 From there, the students took the stage—and they did not disappoint:

• Elisé Rosine delivered a goosebump-inducing presentation on AI accountability in drone warfare. Her legal insight and emotional clarity sparked important ethical debates across the forum.
• Viktoriya Lysogor explored access to justice via large language models, skillfully balancing their potential and pitfalls.
• Mia Priest examined data scraping in the creative industries, offering a passionate defense of artistic integrity in the AI era.
• Diana Sviderska dissected AI-generated content and Ukrainian copyright law, calling for reforms that address non-human creativity.
• Keira Beard gave a timely presentation on Garfield.Law, the first AI-run law firm recognized by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, is raising questions about AI’s place in legal ethics.
• Nikita Shumakov advocated for the human element in legal practice, suggesting a symbolic “day without AI” to reflect on our dependence.
• Jasmine White analyzed AI’s role in legal practice, including the risks of fabricated authorities in recent case law.
• Liaan Booysen, Senior Software Engineer and AI expert, brought a refreshing engineering perspective, noting that we are now entering a more mature phase of AI development: “Fewer applications, but better ones.”
• Ivann D. of South Africa offered expert commentary on AI use in private security and transnational crime prevention, calling for ethical frameworks and accountability in high-risk sectors.

The conference culminated in a shared commitment to keep pushing the frontiers of AI and legal education. 

A heartfelt thanks to all the participants, speakers, and supporters of this initiative. We’re not just talking about the future of law—we’re helping build it. 

Dr. Steph Allen Joseph McMullen Dr Matthew Watkins FHEA Jasmine White Mia Priest Keira Beard Elisé Rosine Nikita Shumakov Діана Свідерська Вікторія Лисогор Irena Argatiuk Liaan Booysen Ivann D. Valentina Titova

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