Artificial Intelligence for Legal Reasoning and Adjudication Conference
The Artificial Intelligence for Legal Reasoning and Adjudication Conference, organized by the Northwestern Law and Technology Initiative, took place on April 2, 2026, at the Thorne Auditorium of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago. This event convened judges, practitioners, and academics to explore the integration of artificial intelligence into legal reasoning and adjudication processes.
Key topics addressed included the current utilization of AI by judges and lawyers in courts and legal practice, the capabilities of AI in legal reasoning, potential benefits and risks associated with AI in legal tasks, and the transformative impact of AI on courts, dispute resolution, access to legal services, and the rule of law.
The conference featured a series of sessions such as "AI in Trial Courts and Dispute Resolution," "AI in Appellate Courts," "AI for Law Opportunities and Obstacles," and "AI in Law Firms and Legal Departments." Notable speakers included Hon. Maritza Dominguez Braswell, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado; Eric A. Posner, Professor of Law, University of Chicago Law School; and Hon. Derek R. Molter, Supreme Court, State of Indiana.
This conference was particularly beneficial for legal professionals, technologists, policymakers, and academics interested in understanding and shaping the future role of AI in the legal domain.
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Speakers(16)
Aileen Nielsen
Visiting Assistant Professor at Harvard Law School
Aileen Nielsen is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Harvard Law School, with research interests in law and technology.
Alex Crowley
Lawyer, Applied AI Practice at Baker McKenzie
Alex Crowley is a lawyer in the Applied AI Practice at Baker McKenzie, advising clients on legal issues related to artificial intelligence.
April G. Dawson
Professor of Law at North Carolina Central University School of Law
April G. Dawson is a Professor of Law at North Carolina Central University School of Law, focusing on technology and innovation in legal education.
Donna Haddad
Former VP and Associate General Counsel at IBM
Donna Haddad formerly served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel at IBM, focusing on legal matters in technology and innovation.
Eric A. Posner
Professor of Law at University of Chicago Law School
Eric A. Posner is a Professor of Law at the University of Chicago Law School, renowned for his work in contract law, international law, and constitutional law.
Frank Schilder
Senior Principal Scientist at Thomson Reuters
Frank Schilder is a Senior Principal Scientist at Thomson Reuters, specializing in artificial intelligence applications in legal research.
Glynna Christian
SMD, Head of Technology & AI Law at TIAA
Glynna Christian is the Senior Managing Director and Head of Technology & AI Law at TIAA, overseeing legal aspects of technology initiatives.
Hon. Derek R. Molter
Justice at Supreme Court of Indiana
Hon. Derek R. Molter serves as a Justice on the Supreme Court of Indiana, contributing to the development of state jurisprudence.
Hon. Maritza Dominguez Braswell
U.S. District Judge at District of Colorado
Hon. Maritza Dominguez Braswell serves as a U.S. District Judge for the District of Colorado, presiding over federal cases with a focus on civil and criminal matters.
Hon. Michael J. Chmiel
Circuit Judge at 22nd Judicial Circuit, State of Illinois
Hon. Michael J. Chmiel is a Circuit Judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Illinois, overseeing a variety of civil and criminal cases.
Hon. Thaddeus L. Wilson
Appellate Judge at First District Appellate Court, State of Illinois
Hon. Thaddeus L. Wilson is an Appellate Judge in the First District Appellate Court of Illinois, reviewing decisions from lower courts.
Hon. Xavier Rodriguez
U.S. District Judge at Western District of Texas
Hon. Xavier Rodriguez is a U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas, handling a diverse docket of federal cases.
John Hamill
Partner at DLA Piper
John Hamill is a Partner at DLA Piper, specializing in complex litigation and dispute resolution.
Kelly Turner
Associate General Counsel at American Arbitration Association
Kelly Turner is the Associate General Counsel at the American Arbitration Association, providing legal oversight and guidance on arbitration matters.
Kristian J. Hammond
Bill and Cathy Osborn Professor of Computer Science at Northwestern University
Kristian J. Hammond is the Bill and Cathy Osborn Professor of Computer Science at Northwestern University, specializing in artificial intelligence and natural language processing.
V.S. Subrahmanian
Professor of Computer Science at Northwestern University
V.S. Subrahmanian is a Professor of Computer Science at Northwestern University, focusing on AI and its applications in various domains.
Event Details
- Date
- April 2, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Chicago, United States
- Thorne Auditorium, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
- Audience
- Legal professionals, technologists, policymakers, academics