Tom Whittaker, a director at independent UK law firm Burges Salmon, is pleased to celebrate the launch of the chapter on public law and procurement law and artificial intelligence (AI) in the second edition of the 2024 practitioners’ textbook The Law of Artificial Intelligence. The book was launched at an exclusive event in London last week, bringing together leading experts from the law, technology, private and public sectors. An essential practitioner's reference, the textbook examines the fundamentals of AI technology, applications of current and anticipated regulation as well as laws and ethics relevant to AI.
The chapter co-written by Tom Whittaker, with support from the wider Burges Salmon AI team, and in collaboration with Rebecca Williams, Professor of Public Law and Criminal Law at the University of Oxford, and Azeem Suterwalla and Will Perry, both Counsel at Monckton Chambers, covers practical and evidence-based guidance for practitioners and analyses the use of AI in the public sector, identifying the issues and themes relevant to public sector use, the current legal and regulatory framework applicable to public sector procurement, development and deployment of AI as well as the potential legal challenges.
Commenting on the textbook, Tom says: “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Rebecca, Azeem and Will to contribute to this essential publication which provides a practical and comprehensive reference for navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI. We are pleased to support public sector legal practitioners understand and shape the future of AI use, law and regulation.”
Recognised as this year’s Lawyer of the Year at the Bristol Law Society Awards, Tom is one of the few legal minds in the UK to be actively involved in shaping AI regulation. He and his team are regularly engaged in advising and training multiple public and private sector organisations on AI laws, regulations and risk management and contributing responses to multiple consultations on AI regulation and use for the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology and, separately, the Public Accounts Committee.
Burges Salmon has a reputation for being a forward-thinking firm that embraces and drives innovation with far reaching impact across the legal sector. Last week, the firm launched its multidimensional Digital Enablement Programme. An integral part of the firm’s strategy, the programme focuses on integrating GenAI, data, processes and technology, together with the firm’s unique culture and human first approach, to deliver enhanced legal services for clients while inspiring and upskilling people to embrace new ways of working.
Commenting on the programme, Emma Sorrell, Burges Salmon’s Innovation manager, says: “Developing and launching the Digital Enablement Programme has been a collaborative and coordinated effort from a variety of people within the firm. It’s not just about AI; it encompasses a broader scope, focusing on how we can harness the potential of data-driven insights, technology and innovative approaches. In a landscape filled with excitement and promise, our goal is to carve out a path that aligns strategically with our firm and clients, and ultimately delivers meaningful outcomes.”
Find out more about the programme in the press release.