Use AI like co-pilot, not as autopilot: G. V. Selvam

Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) like a co-pilot and not as an autopilot, said G.V. Selvam, vice-president of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), during a conversation with L.V. Navaneeth, CEO, The Hindu Group, at Justice Unplugged: Shaping the Future of Law, a conclave organised by the VIT School of Law in association with The Hindu in Delhi on Saturday (February 28, 2026). 

“AI is not a threat. It is an additional tool. It depends on the user. AI is a time-saver. It summarises, compares and makes statements. In one line, you should use AI like a co-pilot and not as an autopilot,” Mr. Selvam said in response to Mr. Navaneeth’s query whether AI is a disruptive threat or a powerful enabling tool for a lawyer.

The conclave, which extensively discussed the shaping of the future of law and the role of AI, saw the participation of legal experts and was attended by students from the VIT School of Law and budding lawyers.

Mr. Selvam said the VIT has an added advantage in legal education because of its deep-rooted academic experience and learning in the fields of engineering and technology.

“We are not teaching only the rules and regulations. We connect with cybersecurity, AI, and biotechnology. We ask students to focus on conferences and paper presentations. We have strong global connections useful for students. We project them (students) not only as lawyers. We give them technology as an added advantage. For both law and engineering, we have a flexible system allowing students to pursue study and interact with other technologies,” he said.

Observing that the younger generation is fast, adaptive and eager to “learn more in a short time”, he said that the VIT tempers the expectation for quick success and makes students ready for the “hard walk to success” through practical workshops, dialogues with senior lawyers and sitting judges and visits to High Courts and trial courts as part of their academic curriculum.

He emphasised the importance of writing, speaking and reading to hone skills essential for a life in law.

Asked whether he viewed social media as a networking tool or an ultimate distraction, Mr. Selvam described social media as a “double-edged sword”. “It connects the world with you. It develops contacts. These contacts can be converted into clients for a lawyer,” he said.