Miami Law & AI Lab named finalist for prestigious legal innovation award
The University of Miami School of Law has gained recognition as a finalist for the 2025 Florida Legal Awards’ coveted Legal Innovation Award thanks to its pioneering Miami Law & AI Lab. This transformative initiative, launched under the leadership of interim Dean Patricia Abril, is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into the legal landscape, redefining the way legal professionals and students interact with technology and creating innovative tools and training programs to redefine the future of law.
Abril, who stepped into her role as interim dean in May 2024, has a notable background in business law and a prolific publishing record that includes articles in top-tier legal journals on AI-related topics. Her innovative vision for Miami Law focuses on fostering a culture of legal innovation and establishing the institution as a leader in AI applications within the legal field.
At the helm of the MiLA Lab is Director Or Cohen-Sasson, the law school’s first Law & Technology Fellow, whose unique blend of expertise as a computer scientist and a lawyer has proven instrumental in the lab’s success. Cohen-Sasson’s dual background bridges gaps between traditionally separate disciplines, allowing the ab to emerge as a vital hub of creativity and innovation in legal technology.
The MiLA Lab has made significant strides in its mission, developing proprietary AI tools to revolutionize legal workflows. Among its innovations is ClassInsight, a ground-breaking tool designed to improve real-time assessment of law students’ understanding in classrooms. Another notable creation is AEGIS (Attorney’s Encryption Guard for Information Security), a platform to enhance confidentiality and security in legal practice through generative AI.
In addition to tool development, the lab is actively working on creating a “plAIground,” a unique training environment for practitioners seeking AI Lawyering certifications. This interactive sandbox will provide invaluable training and allow for testing new legal technologies in a supportive setting, creating a feedback loop between legal professionals and developers.
Since its inception, the MiLA Lab has formed a diverse team of approximately 20 members from various departments throughout the University of Miami, including law, computer science, and engineering. It has initiated a Law and AI Research Award program, launched an AI and Law Practicum, and hosted numerous events and workshops focusing on the intersection of AI and the legal realm.
Abril and Cohen-Sasson’s collaborative effort has placed the MiLA Lab in the spotlight and positioned it as a beacon for future advancements in legal practice. Their dedication to innovation is paving the way for a new era in law, where the integration of AI enhances both efficiency and the quality of legal education and practice.
The School of Law also wishes to congratulate alumni who are finalists for additional 2025 Florida Legal Awards categories:
Lifetime Achievement Honoree
Judge Ronald C. Dresnick, Kluger Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen & Levine – J.D. ’70
Managing Partner of the Year Finalists
Beatriz Azcuy, Sidley Austin – J.D. ’94
Michael Haggard, The Haggard Law Firm – J.D. ’95
Jaret Davis – J.D. ’99
Real Estate Transaction Finalists
Beatriz Azcuy, Sidley Austin – J.D. ’94
Ryan Girnun, Jones Day – J.D. ’08
Maritime Attorney of the Year Finalist
Richard Rusak, Cole, Scott & Kissane – J.D. ’02
In-House Impact Finalists
Aleksandra Cuprys, Latino Media Network – J.D. ’09
Steven Hicks-Safra, Cole, Scott & Kissane –– J.D. ’08
Diversity & Inclusion, Individual Finalists
Eric Lundt, Jones Day – J.D. ’90
Jennifer Ruiz, Cole, Scott & Kissane – J.D. ’92
Distinguished Leader Honorees
Jeffrey Bass, Bass Law – J.D. ’92
Jason Domark, Cozen O’Connor – J.D. ’04
Christine E. Howard, Fisher Phillips – J.D. ’95
Best Mentor Finalists
Marlene Duarte, Berger Singerman – J.D. ’15
John Uustal, Kelley | Uustal Trial Attorneys – J.D. ’95
On the Rise Honorees
Michael Levine, Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain – J.D. ’13
Ashley Gomez-Rodon, Cozen O’Connor – J.D. ’18
According to The Daily Business Review, these awards recognize distinguished members of the Florida legal community and celebrate the individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence across a wide array of practice areas.
Read more about the Technology Law area of study at Miami Law.
