University News Last updated 13 October
A Birmingham City University (BCU) lecturer has been elected to the Council of the Birmingham Law Society, which represents more than 9,000 legal professionals across Birmingham and the Midlands.
Dr Alan Ma (pictured) is one of six new Council members, strengthening links between BCU and one of the UK’s largest regional law societies.
Dr Ma’s teaching and research focus on legal technology and artificial intelligence (AI), including their impact on legal practice and the education of future lawyers.
He brings extensive professional experience to the role, having spent more than 20 years in legal practice before moving into legal education.
He also chairs Birmingham Law Society’s Legal Tech Committee, having taken up the position in 2025, and has helped develop the committee’s events programme and wider engagement on the adoption of legal technology and AI across the profession.
“I am delighted to have been elected to the Birmingham Law Society Council,” said Dr Ma.
“Since becoming Chair of the Society's Legal Tech Committee in 2025, I have seen the value of bringing legal education and professional practice together to consider the opportunities and challenges created by AI and other emerging technologies.
“Technology is increasingly affecting virtually every area of legal practice, so I am particularly interested in encouraging greater collaboration between the Society's specialist committees and contributing to its wider policy discussions.
“As someone who spent more than 20 years in legal practice before moving into legal education, I am also keen to strengthen the connection between universities and the profession.
“The rapid development of AI makes that relationship increasingly important as we consider the knowledge, professional judgement and technological literacy that future lawyers will need.”
Council members represent the interests of the Society’s membership, helping shape its governance, policy and position on key issues affecting the legal profession.
Guy Barnett, President of Birmingham Law Society, welcomed Dr Ma’s election.
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Alan in establishing the Society’s Legal Tech Committee, and I have seen first-hand the expertise, enthusiasm and fresh thinking he brings to our work,” he said.
“His knowledge of legal technology, combined with his role at Birmingham City University, gives him a valuable perspective at a time when technology, innovation and the relationship between academia and the profession are becoming increasingly important.”
Barnett added: “As President, one of my priorities is to make greater use of the extraordinary breadth of knowledge and experience that exists across our membership, our committees and our wider legal community.
“Alan’s appointment to the Council strengthens that ambition. I know he will make an important contribution as we look to embrace innovation, strengthen the links between education and practice, support the next generation and ensure Birmingham and the wider region remain at the forefront of a rapidly changing legal profession.
“I very much look forward to continuing to work with him.”