Bencher Voter Guide

Topic 1 of 5

AI

AI and the Practice of Law

Positions from 9 of 38 candidates

What this topic covers: AI and substantive legal technology: their use, benefits, risks, competence requirements and regulation. Broader technology positions are identified separately from AI-specific positions. More on this topic

Position summaries interpret each candidate's statements. They aren't the candidates' own words and haven't been endorsed by them. How positions are assessed

Candidate positions on AI and the Practice of Law

  1. Yameena Ansari

    Calgary · Ansari Immigration Law, Calgary

    Reports integrating AI and technology throughout her firm’s work to improve client service without increasing costs, and presents technology efficiencies as relevant experience. No regulatory policy is proposed.

    Explicit
    • AI use and client service
    Evidence and limits

    Explicit · Reported practice. A relevant principle, priority, issue recognition or reported practice is directly expressed. This does not necessarily mean a specific policy change is proposed.

    We have integrated artificial intelligence and technology throughout our work to improve client service, without increasing costs. Building and running AIL has given me firsthand experience with building tech efficiencies, team leadership and the practical realities of being regulated by the Law Society.

    The candidate expressly describes AI adoption and its intended service and cost benefits.

    What this doesn't show

    • This is the candidate’s reported practice and outcome, not independently verified performance or a commitment to a particular Law Society policy.
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    Full profile for Yameena Ansari
  2. Rabie Ahmed

    Calgary · Esquire Law, Calgary

    Identifies the effects of technology and changing practice models on competence, access to justice and regulation as an area of particular interest, alongside a pragmatic and fair regulatory approach. No AI-specific position is stated.

    Explicit
    • Broader technology adoption and oversight
    Evidence and limits

    Explicit · Stated priority. A relevant principle, priority, issue recognition or reported practice is directly expressed. This does not necessarily mean a specific policy change is proposed.

    I am particularly interested in the future of the profession: strong professional development, meaningful opportunities for new and junior lawyers to develop, a profession that draws on a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, and the effects of technology and changing practice models on competence, access to justice and regulation. I would bring to the Bencher table the perspective of a practising lawyer, firm owner, adjudicator, mentor and active member of the bar, together with a willingness to listen, ask difficult questions, work collaboratively and approach regulatory issues pragmatically and fairly.

    Technology is connected to specific professional and public-interest concerns, rather than mentioned only as generic change.

    What this doesn't show

    • The statement does not prescribe a technology policy or expressly discuss AI.
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    Full profile for Rabie Ahmed
  3. Kyle Kawanami, KC

    Edmonton · Emery Jamieson LLP, Edmonton

    Recognizes that emerging technologies may be very useful but says they must be carefully monitored. AI is not explicitly named.

    Explicit
    • Broader technology adoption and oversight
    Evidence and limits

    Explicit · Policy principle. A relevant principle, priority, issue recognition or reported practice is directly expressed. This does not necessarily mean a specific policy change is proposed.

    The legal profession faces constant challenges, both from societal factors as well as from new emerging technologies.  While these technologies may be incredibly useful, they must be carefully monitored.

    The candidate expresses a benefit-and-oversight principle for emerging technology.

    What this doesn't show

    • The statement does not identify a monitoring mechanism or an AI-specific rule.
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    Full profile for Kyle Kawanami, KC
  4. Shannon G. Emery

    Northern Alberta · Gunn Law Group, Hinton

    Identifies the advancement of AI as a leading challenge for the Law Society. No particular AI policy or response is proposed.

    Explicit
    • AI risks and regulation
    Evidence and limits

    Explicit · Stated priority, Issue recognition. A relevant principle, priority, issue recognition or reported practice is directly expressed. This does not necessarily mean a specific policy change is proposed.

    I am running for Bencher because I see a lot of challenges ahead for the Law Society of Alberta. At the top of the list are the advancement of AI; regulatory independence; and ensuring the protection of the public by maintaining high standards for all practicing lawyers and students.

    AI is expressly named among the reasons for seeking office and the leading regulatory challenges.

    What this doesn't show

    • Naming AI as a challenge does not establish support for adoption, restrictions or any particular reform.
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    Full profile for Shannon G. Emery
  5. Saqib Javaid

    Edmonton · SJS Law, Edmonton

    Calls for evidence-based consideration of both the benefits and risks of AI and technology, including confidentiality and duties to the public, with input from lawyers and the public.

    Explicit
    • AI risks and regulation
    Evidence and limits

    Explicit · Policy principle. A relevant principle, priority, issue recognition or reported practice is directly expressed. This does not necessarily mean a specific policy change is proposed.

    Effective regulation also requires an understanding of how technology, including artificial intelligence, affects client confidentiality and the duties lawyers owe to the public. These tools offer benefits and present risks, and both call for careful, evidencebased consideration with input from members and the public.

    The statement explicitly identifies AI, its competing benefits and risks, and the process for considering them.

    What this doesn't show

    • No specific AI use is endorsed or prohibited.
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    Full profile for Saqib Javaid
  6. Jonathan Selnes

    Calgary · Lawson Lundell LLP, Calgary

    Anticipates new regulatory challenges from increasing AI adoption and calls for sound judgment and governance aligned with public protection.

    Explicit
    • AI risks and regulation
    Evidence and limits

    Explicit · Issue recognition, Policy principle. A relevant principle, priority, issue recognition or reported practice is directly expressed. This does not necessarily mean a specific policy change is proposed.

    As the practice of law evolves in this era of technological disruption, the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence will present new regulatory challenges for the profession. Tackling these issues in a manner that aligns with the Law Society’s mandate to protect the public interest will require sound judgment and governance.

    AI adoption, regulatory challenges and the public-protection approach are directly connected in the statement.

    What this doesn't show

    • No specific AI permissions, restrictions or implementation measures are stated.
    Read the full statement
    Full profile for Jonathan Selnes
  7. Ryan P. Krushelnitzky

    Edmonton · Field LLP o/a Field Law LLP, Edmonton

    Identifies disruption from AI as a systemic issue confronting the profession. No AI-specific response is proposed.

    Explicit
    • AI risks and regulation
    Evidence and limits

    Explicit · Issue recognition. A relevant principle, priority, issue recognition or reported practice is directly expressed. This does not necessarily mean a specific policy change is proposed.

    My experience provides me insight into the systemic issues that confront the bar: in terms of access to justice, the disruption of AI, and other challenges faced by the bar.

    AI is expressly identified as a systemic issue, but the statement does not develop a substantive policy response.

    What this doesn't show

    • Recognition of disruption does not establish support for or opposition to AI adoption.
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    Full profile for Ryan P. Krushelnitzky
  8. Stephanie L. Dobson, KC

    Northern Alberta · Stephanie L. Dobson Professional Corporation o/a Henka Divorce Law & Mediation, Lloydminster

    Supports thoughtful regulation that enables the benefits of legal technology while ensuring responsible adoption, public protection and professional and ethical standards. This is a broader technology position; AI is not named.

    Explicit
    • Broader technology adoption and oversight
    Evidence and limits

    Explicit · Policy principle. A relevant principle, priority, issue recognition or reported practice is directly expressed. This does not necessarily mean a specific policy change is proposed.

    Technology is reshaping the delivery of legal services and changing public expectations, and the regulator plays an important role to ensure it is adopted responsibly in a manner that protects the public and upholds professional and ethical standards. Thoughtful regulation can help harness the benefits of innovation while preserving the confidence and trust that are fundamental to an effective legal system.

    The statement directly describes both the benefits of innovation and the regulator’s responsibility for responsible adoption.

    What this doesn't show

    • No AI-specific tool, rule, restriction or implementation plan is stated.
    Read the full statement
    Full profile for Stephanie L. Dobson, KC
  9. John Lemieux

    Edmonton · University of Alberta, Edmonton

    Wants the Law Society to proactively address rapid technological advancement and risks while supporting competence, ethics and professional independence. AI is not named.

    Explicit
    • Broader technology adoption and oversight
    Evidence and limits

    Explicit · Policy principle. A relevant principle, priority, issue recognition or reported practice is directly expressed. This does not necessarily mean a specific policy change is proposed.

    As our profession navigates rapid technological advancement, risks, and heightened public scrutiny, I offer my personal and professional experience as a responsible steward to help the Law Society proactively address these challenges while supporting high standards of legal competence, ethics, and professional independence.

    Technological change is linked to a stated proactive regulatory approach and professional standards.

    What this doesn't show

    • No particular technology measure or AI-specific view is stated.
    Read the full statement
    Full profile for John Lemieux

Not stated

The statement does not provide enough topic-specific evidence. It does not mean opposition or lack of relevant experience.

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