Throughout the publication cycle of a given article, AI tools can play a key role in improving the review and publication processes. Authors submitting articles to law journals can also benefit from AI tools for purposes ranging from enhancing the readability of their texts to generating content.

While the potential advantages are significant, the use of such tools raises various concerns regarding the accuracy and quality of publications, as well as broader ethical and legal issues.

Journals have responded to these opportunities and challenges at different paces and in various ways. Some journals, especially those in disciplines other than law, have developed detailed policies regarding the use of AI, while most law journals appear to be lagging behind in this respect.

This work offers several recommendations that will enable the Ottawa Law Review (OLR) to harness the transformative potential of AI responsibly, while maintaining its commitment to protecting the confidentiality of submissions, as well as intellectual property and scientific rigour. To achieve these goals, it is crucial to adopt three AI-related policies: one on the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in submissions, another on the use of AI in the peer-review process, and a final one related to the editorial team.

Editor

Yan Campagnolo is a vice-dean and full professor at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law. He also serves as a faculty advisor to the Ottawa Law Review and editor of the University of Ottawa Press Law and Justice series. Professor Campagnolo is the recipient of several prestigious awards for the quality of his teaching and research. Prior to joining the University of Ottawa, he practised law at the Privy Council Office and worked as a law clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada.

Authors

Leonie van Haeren holds a J.D. from the University of Ottawa, an M.A. in international affairs from Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, and a B.Sc. in economics from Dalhousie University. Prior to pursuing law, she worked in international development, international health research, and immigration. As a Volume 55 senior editor and chair of the Ottawa Law Review AI Research and Working Group, Leonie led the research and authorship of the book Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Legal Journals.

Shaarini Ravitharan holds a J.D. from the University of Ottawa and is currently articling at Torkin Manes LLP in Toronto. In law school, she completed the Dean’s Fellowship, was a teaching assistant to first-year law students, and served as Editor-in-Chief, English Articles, for Volume 55 of the Ottawa Law Review. Shaarini gained valuable legal experience as an intern at the Canadian Public Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic, where she explored issues of privacy, consumer protection, extended reality technologies, and artificial intelligence.

Emma Murray is a J.D. candidate at the University of Ottawa and is set to graduate in 2025 on the Dean’s Honour List with a specialization in public law. During her time in law school, Emma was involved in the Ottawa Law Review as an assistant, associate, and senior editor and served as Special Projects Manager. Additionally, she pursued her interest in advocacy by participating in several moot court competitions and completed an internship at Sharp Ang Family Law. After graduation, Emma will article at Gowling WLG in Ottawa.

Ephraim Barrera is a Master of Laws candidate at the University of Ottawa, researching technology law and public law. He holds a J.D. and an M.A. in philosophy from the University of Ottawa and a B.A. (Hons.) in public ethics from Saint Paul University. During his undergraduate legal studies, Ephraim completed the Dean’s Fellowship and served as an assistant editor with the Ottawa Law Review, a writing leader at the Legal Writing Academy, and a research assistant for the Centre for Law, Technology and Society.