VIT Vice President GV Selvam during The Hindu Justice Unplugged 2026 in New Delhi on February 28, 2026. | Photo credit: RV Moorthy
Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a co-pilot and not an autopilot, said GV Selvam, Vice President, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), during a conversation with LV Navaneeth, CEO, The Hindu Group, at the Justice Unplugged: Shaping the Future of Law conclave (a conclave organized by VIT The Hindu School of Law on 28e Saturday in association with Delhi School of Law in association with LV 2026).
“AI is not a threat. It is a complementary tool. It depends on the user. AI saves time. It summarizes, compares and issues statements. In one line, you should use AI as a co-pilot and not as an autopilot,” Mr. Selvam said when asked by Mr. Navaneeth whether AI is a disruptive threat or a powerful tool for a lawyer.
The conclave, which extensively discussed shaping the future of law and the role of AI, was attended by legal experts and attended by VIT Law students and budding lawyers.
Mr. Selvam said VIT has an added advantage in legal education as it has a deep-rooted academic background and background in engineering and technology.
“We don’t just teach rules and regulations. We connect with cyber security, artificial intelligence and biotechnology. We ask students to focus on conferences and paper presentations. We have strong global relationships useful for students. We project them (students) not only as lawyers. We provide them with technology as an added advantage. For both law and engineering, we have a flexible system that allows students to study and interact with other technologies.
Noting that the young generation is quick, adaptable and eager to “learn more in a short period of time”, he said VIT tempers expectations of quick success and prepares students for the “tough road to success” through practical workshops, dialogues with senior lawyers and judges and visits to high and trial courts as part of their academic curriculum.
He emphasized the importance of writing, speaking and reading to hone the skills necessary for a life in law.
Asked whether he sees social media as a networking tool or the ultimate distraction, Mr. Selvam described social media as a “double-edged sword.” “It connects the world to you. It develops contacts. Those contacts can be turned into attorney clients,” he said.
Published – 01 March 2026 20:12 IST
