NUS Law launches world-first AI-powered legal podcast to open up law to the public

Singapore Journal of Legal Studies pioneers use of Google NotebookLM to bring legal research to wider audiences

Using generative-AI, NUS Law transforms academic writing into podcast episodes that make complex legal ideas easier to understand, without compromising on intellectual depth.

In a world first in legal publishing, NUS Law has created a podcast series based on articles from the Singapore Journal of Legal Studies (SJLS). Produced using Google’s AI-powered tool, NotebookLM,  this marks the first time a legal journal has used generative AI to turn peer-reviewed legal research into accessible audio content.

The initiative reflects NUS Law’s commitment to building on its academic legacy while embracing new ways to share legal knowledge. By converting academic writing into podcast episodes designed for a general audience, NUS Law aims to make complex legal ideas easier to understand, without compromising on intellectual depth.

“This innovation underscores NUS Law’s commitment to thought leadership, academic excellence, and public engagement,” said Professor Andrew Simester, Dean of NUS Law. “We’re proud to be leading the way globally by using technology to extend the reach and relevance of legal research. It is a key part of our vision to be that bridge between legal academia and society.”

Established in 1959, SJLS is one of the oldest law journals in the British Commonwealth and a cornerstone of legal commentary in Singapore and the region. It is managed by the NUS Law faculty and guided by an international Advisory Board. Its articles cover a wide spectrum of legal issues, from domestic to international developments, with particular focus on Singapore, Asia, and the broader common-law world.

While the journal’s readership traditionally includes lawyers, academics, and legal observers, the podcast series would benefit the wider legal community, business leaders and policy makers. The full articles remain available under open access on the SJLS website, while the podcasts present concise, approachable summaries to spark interest beyond the legal field.

Professor Julien Chaisse from the City University of Hong Kong, whose work is featured in the series said: “This format is engaging and I am genuinely impressed by the way it brings legal academic writing into a more accessible format without losing its substance.”

Professor Emilios Avgouleas, Chair of International Banking Law and Finance at the University of Edinburgh, added: “This is an impressive initiative that uses modern technology to disseminate legal and interdisciplinary scholarship more widely. It is truly the future for the distribution of law journal content.”

The podcast is available for free on Spotify, with new episodes released regularly.

Listen to the Singapore Journal of Legal Studies Podcast on Spotify.