Notice to the Profession Issued on
Artificial intelligence use in the Federal Court of Australia
Published 30 April 2025
Matthew Murphy
As referred to our earlier article on AI and Australia, issued in late March 2025, the Federal Court of Australia has started examining AI practices, with a view to developing formal Guidelines or a Practice Note. On 29 April 2025, the Chief Justice issued a Notice to the Profession, briefly discussing plans for this study and inviting submissions from the legal profession.
"The Federal Court is keen to ensure that any Guideline or Practice Note appropriately balances the interests of the administration of justice with the responsible use of emergent technologies in a way that fairly and efficiently contributes to the work of the Court. To this end, the Federal Court will consider the practices of other courts, and consult with litigants conducting their own proceedings and with the legal profession before it finalises any position."
The Notice goes on to recognise that it is expected that parties and practitioners will continue to use AI in legal proceedings in the Court, and says that they must disclose such use if required to do so by a Judge or Registrar of the Court.
The Court’s AI Project Group will be commencing its consultation process shortly. In the meantime, if members of the legal profession wish to submit ideas/proposals/suggestions, they are welcome to do so, by emailing AI_Consultation@fedcourt.gov.au by 13 June 2025.
"The Federal Court is keen to ensure that any Guideline or Practice Note appropriately balances the interests of the administration of justice with the responsible use of emergent technologies in a way that fairly and efficiently contributes to the work of the Court. To this end, the Federal Court will consider the practices of other courts, and consult with litigants conducting their own proceedings and with the legal profession before it finalises any position."
The Notice goes on to recognise that it is expected that parties and practitioners will continue to use AI in legal proceedings in the Court, and says that they must disclose such use if required to do so by a Judge or Registrar of the Court.
The Court’s AI Project Group will be commencing its consultation process shortly. In the meantime, if members of the legal profession wish to submit ideas/proposals/suggestions, they are welcome to do so, by emailing AI_Consultation@fedcourt.gov.au by 13 June 2025.