A September program in downtown Greensboro marked a return to in-person professional development sponsored by the Elon Law Review.
The proliferation of technology across all industries has outpaced the ability of the law to answer important questions about personal and intellectual property, privacy, and even the very nature of liability.
How should lawyers respond? And how can they prepare for a wave of societal change brought about by artificial intelligence?
Legal scholars and practicing attorneys convened at Elon University School of Law on September 22, 2023, to discuss and debate these very ideas as part of the 2023 Elon Law Review Symposium “Hodl and Horizons: How Technology is Changing the Legal Landscape.”
This year marked the first time since the emergence of COVID-19 that Elon Law Review leaders hosted the program in person in downtown Greensboro. Dozens of registrants filled Room 207 for presentations that included remarks from Professor Edward Lee, director of the Program in Intellectual Property Law at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, who delivered the Jennings Family Lecture in Memoriam to Associate Professor Mike Rich.
Lee’s talk, “How Artificial Intelligence and Non-Fungible Tokens Impact Intellectual Property and Creativity,” called on attorneys to assist artists whose work, especially in the digital era, help to explain and define what it means to be human.
Panels & Presenters
Volume 16 Elon Law Review Symposium Authors Q&A
Moderated by Campbell Kargo L’23, Symposium Editor, with introductions by Cassandra Saxton L’23, Symposium Editor
- The Hon. John Browning, Partner at Spencer Fane, Former Justice on the Court of Appeals for the Fifth District of Texas, and Author of the Forthcoming “A Product by Any Other Name? The Evolving Trend of Product Liability Exposure for Technology Platforms”
- Vladimir Troitsky, Managing Partner of Lex International Law Firm and Author of the Forthcoming “Unclaimed Digital Assets: Addressing the Legal Implications of Absent or Unknown Ownership”
“Exploring Intellectual Property and Technology”
Moderated via Zoom by David S. Levine, Professor of Law, Elon University School of Law
- Andrew Chin, Professor of Law, UNC-Chapel Hill
- Elizabeth Townsend-Gard, Director of the Tulane Center for IP, Media & Culture, Tulane University (appearing via Zoom)
- Sarah Rajec, Professor of Law, William & Mary Law School
- Susanna Guffey L’13, Senior Director of Business & Legal Affairs, Universal Music Group
“Building A Legal Career Post-COVID: Practical Insights Panel”
Moderated by Krista Contino Saumby, Associate Director of Career Development at Elon University School of Law
- Danielle B. Hardy L’18, Director, Business and Legal Affairs, Warner Music Group
- Eddie Holder L’13, IP Attorney, Law Office of Eddie M. Holder
Reflections from Symposium Editors
“Getting to work on the Symposium team was a great opportunity. I think it’s important for any law student, or person generally, to take initiative over their own education and career by unabashedly pursuing the things they are passionate about. With the world changing rapidly, especially in terms of technology, it is critical that future and current lawyers stay in tune with what is developing. Now is the time to make it clear how we want to proceed technologically in the legal field. I would encourage everyone to find ways to keep diving into these subjects, bringing communities together, and starting conversations. If we don’t, AI might do it for us.” – KimberMarie Faircloth L’23, Chief Symposium Editor
“It was an absolute joy to be part of the team bringing Elon Law Review’s Symposium back to campus, in person, for the first time since 2019. Witnessing the panelists’ and speakers’ brilliant contributions to the discussion surrounding technology and the law, being able to look around at the eager listeners in the room, and watching the networking that took place throughout the day displayed how meaningful it is for people to gather in person for events like the Symposium.” – Campbell Kargo L’23, Symposium Editor
“Organizing, hosting, and participating in the ‘Hodl and Horizons’ law review symposium has been a highlight of my time at Elon Law. The exceptional speakers and dynamic discussions highlight the importance of these events in sparking innovation. Symposiums offer unique opportunities to explore the cutting edge of law with peers and experts. In the ever-evolving landscape of law and technology, we must continue embracing such forums for intellectual growth. With each symposium, we strengthen our scholarship, fostering an environment where ideas thrive and the legal community prospers.” – Cassandra Saxton L’23, Symposium Editor