On July 27, June Hsiao Liebert assumed her new role as president of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Representing more than 3,600 law librarians and legal information professionals globally, she has become the first Asian-American to lead the organization. Her term coincides with the rapid technological advancements in artificial intelligence which is a concern for some as it allegedly threatens the future of law library professionals and the profession at large.
Liebert is currently the Director of Information Services at the prominent law firm, O’Melveny & Myers. With a career history that spans across various roles as a chief information officer, library and information governance director, law professor, and legal technology consultant, Liebert brings extensive knowledge and experience in IT and information management to her new role. Her achievements in the field have earned her a spot in the 2021 Fastcase 50 award honorees, and she was recently named a fellow-elect of the College of Law Practice Management. In addition to her new role as AALL’s president, Liebert continues her term as the immediate past co-chair of the Indiana University Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering Alumni Board.
While she is optimistic and forthcoming about her views on the profession’s current scenario and its future, it should be noted that Liebert’s opinions expressed are her own and not those of her employer, O’Melveny & Myers. Moreover, any law-related AI applications she discusses, are purely hypothetical, used for testing purposes only on private and secure systems.
The role of artificial intelligence in law and its implications on library professionals forms a critical part of the discourse surrounding the future of legal professions. The effects are still unfolding, and the legal fraternity is closely watching leaders like Liebert for their insights and leadership in navigating these complex waters.