AI Adoption in Regulated Sectors Calls for New Legal Skills, Experts Say at Manipal Law School Conference

The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in highly regulated industries is creating new challenges for businesses and legal professionals, experts said at Manipal Law School’s (MLS) inaugural annual law conference, LEXVOLVE’26. Speakers emphasised that future lawyers must develop a strong understanding of technology, business operations and regulatory frameworks to help organisations adopt AI responsibly.

Organised by the Corporate Engagement and Placement Cell of Manipal Law School, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), the conference was held at the MAHE Bengaluru campus on October 31. Centred on the theme ‘Reimagining the Legal Profession in a Changing World’, the event brought together more than 500 participants, including students, faculty members, legal practitioners, corporate representatives and data privacy professionals.

A major theme of the discussions was the growing gap between the capabilities of AI and the compliance requirements governing sectors such as banking and financial services. Experts pointed out that although AI-powered tools can improve operational efficiency and accelerate decision-making, their adoption must be supported by adequate safeguards for data security, accountability and regulatory compliance.

Legal professionals need to understand emerging technologies

Inaugurating the conference, L. Viswanathan, Senior Partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, spoke about the importance of public trust in technological progress. He stressed the need for effective legal safeguards and responsible institutions to ensure that technological developments protect individuals and businesses.Prof. Sarasu Esther Thomas, Director of Manipal Law School, MAHE Bengaluru, highlighted the importance of aligning legal education with the changing expectations of the industry.

She said that lawyers must understand how emerging technologies function and the challenges they create, in addition to having a sound knowledge of legal principles. She also emphasised the institution's efforts to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional requirements through industry interactions and practical exposure.

According to her, initiatives such as LEXVOLVE provide students with opportunities to develop critical thinking, professional judgement and practical skills required to navigate an increasingly technology-driven legal environment.

Four panels discuss AI, banking law and data protection

The conference featured four expert-led panel discussions covering cross-border banking transactions, artificial intelligence and the changing legal profession, contemporary dispute resolution, and data protection.Representatives from several legal firms and corporate organisations participated in the discussions. These included Aarna Law, Anicut Capital, Chadha & Chadha, Chakra Legal, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Dentons Link Legal, DSK Legal, Dua Associates, Gogi & Gogi, LTIMindtree, NoBroker, Trilegal and Zepto, among others.

The panel on artificial intelligence examined how technology is reshaping legal practice and corporate legal functions. Discussions focused on the growing importance of identifying technology-related risks, maintaining accountability and ensuring that automated processes operate within applicable legal and regulatory boundaries.

Experts also underlined that AI should support, rather than replace, human judgement in legal decision-making. Lawyers will increasingly be expected to assess the implications of emerging technologies and guide businesses on their responsible implementation.

Data privacy and DPDP Act compliance emerge as key concerns

Data protection was another major area of discussion at LEXVOLVE’26. Experts highlighted that obtaining user consent alone may not be sufficient to establish effective data privacy practices.Discussions around India's Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act focused on the need for organisations to maintain transparency about personal data usage, understand how information moves between internal departments and external service providers, and respect individuals' choices regarding consent.

The sessions also explored the growing legal complexities associated with international business transactions and cross-border regulatory requirements. Participants discussed how changes in global business practices are increasing the importance of understanding jurisdictional differences, commercial risks and dispute resolution mechanisms.Together, the discussions highlighted the need for lawyers to combine conventional legal expertise with technological awareness and an understanding of commercial operations.

Students explore career opportunities beyond courtroom practice

The conference also provided students with opportunities to interact with experienced legal professionals and understand changing industry expectations.Discussions highlighted the expanding career landscape for law graduates, particularly in areas such as corporate law, technology law, data privacy, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. Experts noted that the growing intersection of law and technology is creating opportunities beyond traditional litigation and courtroom practice.

Building on the conference, Manipal Law School may explore further industry-academia initiatives, including practitioner-led workshops, interactive learning sessions and professional training programmes. These proposed engagements are aimed at providing students with greater practical exposure and strengthening their understanding of industry requirements.

LEXVOLVE’26 highlighted the expanding responsibilities of legal professionals in an era of rapid technological change. As businesses increasingly integrate AI into their operations, lawyers will play an important role in balancing innovation with legal accountability, regulatory compliance and the protection of individual rights.