Nyarko said, “The legal profession has not just an opportunity, but an obligation, to do more than just boost efficiency. We want to understand how technology can surface the expertise and reasoning that underpin the legal system in order to deliver better legal advice, prevent disputes, efficiently train new lawyers, and share the kinds of strategic insights that today only experienced practitioners tend to be able to leverage.”

Dean George Triantis said, “In liftlab, Nyarko and Ma are bringing together rigorous research and real-world collaboration to shape how emerging technologies can enhance legal judgment, training, and access to justice. I’m proud that Stanford is on the forefront of asking what AI can—and should—do for the legal profession.”

Dr. Ma said the lab’s focus is on bridging academic research with professional practice. “Our collaborations allow us to develop tools shaped by actual user needs and capable of delivering meaningful value in professional settings,” she explained. “They also help bring transparency and clarity to the metrics that define quality. Many law firms are eager to experiment with AI tools, but lack the time or infrastructure to evaluate these tools rigorously. That’s where we come in—offering a research-backed, neutral space to test, refine, and develop what actually works.”