Latifa Mohammed Al-Abdulkarim: A Trailblazer in AI Ethics and Legal Technology

Latifa Mohammed Al-Abdulkarim is a Saudi computer scientist whose work is shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in law and ethics. As an assistant professor of computer science at King Saud University and a visiting researcher in AI and law at the University of Liverpool, she has made significant strides in AI governance, explainable AI, and legal technology. Recognized by Forbes as one of the “women defining the 21st-century AI movement” and named among the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics in 2020, Latifa is a leading voice in responsible AI development and policymaking.

Her contributions extend beyond academia, she is a key advisor on AI policy, working with national and international organizations to ensure AI systems are designed and implemented ethically and transparently. Through her research and strategic roles, she is helping to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in AI governance.

Academic Excellence and Early Career Latifa’s passion for AI and its application in the legal domain began during her academic journey at the University of Liverpool, where she earned:

• A Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Software Engineering in 2009
• A Master of Science in Computer Science in 2011
• A Ph.D. in Computer Science in 2017

Her doctoral research focused on developing explainable AI models that can be used in legal systems to enhance decision-making processes. Her studies laid the foundation for her pioneering work in AI-driven legal analysis, governance frameworks, and policy advisement.

Groundbreaking Research in AI and Law Latifa is renowned for her work on the ANGELIC framework (ADF for kNowledGe Encapsulation of Legal Information from Cases), a methodology she co-developed to analyze legal cases and predict judicial opinions. Initially applied to US Supreme Court cases, ANGELIC demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in legal decision-making. This work opened the doors for further collaborations with Thomson Reuters and Weightmans, where she adapted the model for use in legal case prediction and analysis within the United Kingdom’s legal system.

Her innovative approach to AI-driven legal reasoning earned her the Best Doctoral Consortium Award at the 26th International Conference on Legal Knowledge and Information Systems, cementing her reputation as a leading researcher in this niche but impactful field.

Leadership in AI Governance and Ethics Latifa’s influence extends far beyond academic research. As a member of the Shura Council, she plays a direct role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s AI policies and ethical frameworks. Her advisory contributions include:

• Shaping Saudi Arabia’s national AI strategy and governance frameworks
• Contributing to G20 discussions on AI ethics and policy regulation
• Advising global organizations such as the OECD and ITU on AI governance
• Serving as a UNESCO expert on AI ethics and policy frameworks
• Participating in the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on AI for Humanity

Latifa is a key player in ensuring that AI policies align with ethical principles, regulatory requirements, and public interests, bridging the gap between technology, law, and human rights.

AI’s Role in Legal Transparency and Fairness One of Latifa’s core beliefs is that AI should be a tool for justice, not just efficiency. Through her research and advocacy, she aims to create AI-driven legal systems that provide:

• Greater transparency in judicial decision-making
• Fairer outcomes through unbiased AI models
• Improved accessibility to legal knowledge and precedents
• Stronger ethical guidelines for AI applications in law and governance

Her work ensures that AI remains an augmentative force rather than a disruptive one, enhancing legal decision-making while maintaining accountability and human oversight.

Saudi Arabia’s Emerging AI Leadership Latifa’s contributions reflect Saudi Arabia’s increasing prominence in AI research, development, and governance. With the Kingdom investing heavily in AI-driven economic and governance initiatives, her role in shaping policies and frameworks is crucial to ensuring sustainable and ethical AI integration.

Her journey serves as an inspiration, particularly for women in STEM, proving that Saudi Arabia is not only embracing AI but actively influencing its global development. Through her work, she is helping Saudi Arabia establish itself as a thought leader in AI governance, legal AI applications, and responsible AI adoption.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI and Law Latifa Mohammed Al-Abdulkarim’s vision for AI and legal systems is both progressive and pragmatic. She continues to lead discussions on how AI can be effectively integrated into governance structures, ensuring that technological advancements benefit societies fairly and ethically.

As AI continues to evolve, so will the challenges surrounding its regulation and implementation. Latifa remains committed to guiding AI’s role in governance, law, and ethics, ensuring that innovation never comes at the cost of justice and fairness.

Her story is a testament to the power of knowledge, perseverance, and ethical responsibility in shaping the future of AI and law, both in Saudi Arabia and beyond.