'Justice' at the Second 'Lawyers' Conference': Support Digital Services While Upholding Professional Ethics

- Al-Qabandi: The Ministry’s vision extends beyond digitizing services and procedures to building a safe and stable legal environment.

- Al-Suwaiyan: Artificial intelligence will not replace lawyers... Developing the legal profession’s regulations is a priority.

- Alam: Lawyer independence is the first line of defense for rights and freedoms.

- Abul: Leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance lawyers’ efficiency and keep pace with rapid changes.

Nouf Al-Qabandi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Technical and Administrative Affairs at the Ministry of Justice, affirmed that “the Ministry’s vision goes beyond merely digitizing services and procedures to building a safe and stable legal environment, empowering lawyers to leverage technological infrastructure to access judicial services easily and conveniently, while preserving the human identity and ethical values of the legal profession.”

This statement was made during the opening of the Second Lawyers Conference, organized by the Kuwait Lawyers Association under the theme “The Global Summit of Innovative Lawyers,” sponsored by Minister of Justice Advisor Nasser Al-Sameet, and attended by a select group of legal leaders and lawyers from Kuwait, Gulf countries, and the Arab world, to discuss the future of the profession amid rapid digital transformations and the growing role of artificial intelligence in legal and judicial work.

In her speech, delivered on behalf of the Minister of Justice, Al-Qabandi stated that “the Ministry regards the Kuwait Lawyers Association as a key partner in developing the justice system,” emphasizing the importance of enhancing cooperation in updating judicial legislation, simplifying procedures, supporting digital transformation, and exchanging expertise.

For his part, Khaled Al-Suwaiyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Lawyers Association, affirmed that “the future of the legal profession requires keeping pace with technological and legislative developments, and moving from proposing ideas and visions to implementing practical initiatives that bring about a breakthrough in the profession and enhance the efficiency of the justice system.”

Speaking at the conference opening, Al-Suwaiyan noted that “artificial intelligence offers broad opportunities to develop legal research, manage cases, and save time and effort, but it remains a supportive tool for lawyers and judges, and cannot replace a lawyer’s experience, wisdom, and responsibility in defending rights.” He stressed the necessity of adhering to confidentiality, professional independence, and ethical guidelines.

He clarified that “the Association is working to translate lawyers’ aspirations into practical programs and projects through the ‘Lawyer Vision’ initiative, based on its conviction that developing the profession is a continuous responsibility requiring collaboration among professional and judicial institutions.”

For his part, Abdel Halim Alam, President of the Arab Lawyers Union and Bar Association of Egypt, emphasized that “the deployment of artificial intelligence and modern technology must start from a fundamental goal: enhancing the protection of rights and freedoms, while safeguarding lawyer independence and preserving the ethical values and humanistic mission of the profession.”

Alam affirmed in his speech that “the essence of the legal profession is defending human dignity and achieving justice. The lawyer of the future needs to combine deep legal knowledge, proficiency in modern technological tools, wisdom, and integrity in defending clients.”

He called for “enhancing cooperation among Arab bar associations, and transforming meetings and idea exchanges into practical programs and initiatives that contribute to developing the profession and preparing new generations,” stressing that lawyer independence is a fundamental pillar for protecting the right to self-defense and safeguarding rights and freedoms.

For his part, Adnan Abul, President of the Gulf Lawyers Union, affirmed that “elevating the legal profession requires moving from reactive responses to proactive initiative and change-making, and leveraging technological developments and artificial intelligence to enhance lawyers’ efficiency and keep pace with rapid changes.”

Abdulwahab Al-Abdulwahab noted that “approximately 693 laws in Kuwait are undergoing review and updating as part of the national plan for legislative development,” praising the cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and the efforts made to develop the judicial and legislative systems. He emphasized “the importance of unifying efforts among Gulf and Arab lawyers’ associations and bar associations, and working to translate the conference’s recommendations into tangible achievements that serve the profession and enhance its capacity to keep pace with the future.”

Dr. Khaled Al-Suwaiyan pointed out that the legislative developments witnessed in Kuwait, including the law regulating expert testimony, the establishment of economic courts, and the new arbitration rules, represent important steps in modernizing the judicial system. He stressed the importance of continuing cooperation with the Ministry of Justice to develop legislation, foremost among which is the law regulating the legal profession, in a manner that aligns with the requirements of the digital age.

Following the opening ceremony, the conference held a number of dialogue sessions involving legal experts and lawyers from Arab and Gulf countries, discussing the future of the legal profession and the applications of technology and artificial intelligence in legal practice. Among these sessions was a discussion on the theme “Smart Justice and the Future of Digital Litigation,” which explored the prospects of leveraging modern technology and artificial intelligence to develop litigation procedures, expedite case resolutions, and enhance the efficiency of judicial services, in line with rapid digital transformations. The session was chaired by lawyer Rawan Al-Salman, whose adept management reflected her ability to facilitate dialogue and enrich the discussion by raising key topics and highlighting the most prominent challenges and opportunities related to the future of digital justice, amid notable participant engagement. Her chairmanship received approval and praise from the attendees.