From Code to the Courtroom
The Law and Tech Lab researches the intersection of law and emerging technologies to shape technology-driven legal innovation and enable its forward-looking governance.
The Law and Tech Lab investigates the ways in which legal systems will be shaped by rapid technological change as well as how these systems ought to adapt to it. It integrates perspectives from law, policy, and computer science to analyze technology-driven legal innovation and discuss appropriate governance frameworks.
The Lab, however, is not a purely academic endeavor: Its work emphasizes collaborative, applied research that bridges scholarly analysis with practical implementation.
Why we exist
Emerging technologies driven by the recent advances in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are challenging the traditional legal practice, legal frameworks and regulatory paradigms. The Law and Tech Lab was founded to address this critical juncture by fostering both technological and legal innovation to anticipate technological shifts while protecting the rule of law. We discuss and support the development of legal tech tools and legal frameworks that integrate the fundamental values and principles of legal systems with the practical demands of the digital era, ensuring that law remains predictable and enforceable without sacrificing justice in individual cases.
How we work
The Law and Tech Lab operates at the intersection of law, technology, and society — connecting people across disciplines and professions. We bring together legal scholars, computer scientists, policymakers, and practitioners to collaboratively explore how law can respond to and shape technological change. A key focus of our approach is Legal Tech: we investigate and support the development of digital tools that enhance legal processes, access to justice, and regulatory innovation. Whether through speaker events, co-teaching formats, workshops, or prototyping sessions, we foster dialogue and experimentation between academia and practice to advance both legal thinking and technological design.
What we do
The Law and Tech Lab conducts interdisciplinary research and fosters public engagement at the intersection of law, technology, and society. Our work focuses on AI regulation, data governance, algorithmic accountability, and digital constitutionalism. A core element of our activities is our Law & Tech Speaker Series, which invites professionals and academics to share insights on emerging legal and technological issues. Open to all — especially students — the series fosters critical debate, career exploration, and public understanding. We also aim to contribute to legislative consultations, develop legal policy briefs, and collaborate on research projects that support democratic and rights-based governance in the digital age.
How to get engaged
The Law and Tech Lab invites scholars, lawyers, technologists, policymakers, and civil society actors to collaborate on joint projects, research, and events. If you’re interested in contributing to open Legal Tech, regulatory innovation, or exploring the intersection ‒ and shaping the governance ‒ of law and technology, please reach out to boris.paal@tum.de or niklas.wais@tum.de
