"Any conversation about programs in innovation or technology in law must include Michigan State.”

The Center for Law, Technology & Innovation("CLT&I") was founded at MSU College of Law nearly a decade ago as the ReInvent Law Program (later renamed Legal RnD) and since its inception it has been enriched by hundreds of alumni who are contributing scholars in the fields of intellectual property and legal technology today.

Director Dennis Kennedy wants to continue investing in the Center via the creative alumni and students who are essential to its history and future success. “Thanks to the experiences we are able to offer, our students who emerge from this program are often already known in the legal community and go on to have exciting careers in law, sometimes in areas that haven’t existed before. They’re great ambassadors for Michigan State. Continuing the engagement with current students and alumni is critical to the success of the CLT&I.”

Historically, attempting to increase access to legal services has meant pouring resources into existing systems. But that approach has not worked. More recently, the focus has shifted to technology. We also leverage technology but recognize that poorly defined processes, standards, and metrics lead to ineffective implementation. Understanding existing processes and how they produce (or fail to produce) value for clients creates a pathway to improving legal-service delivery. This way, we can measurably improve access with fewer resources.

The CLT&I believes that innovation through legal research and development will bring the law to everyone.

Why Michigan State University

CLT&I is a perfect fit at Michigan State University College of Law. As a prototype land-grant institution, MSU’s mission includes serving the public through finding practical applications for scientific research and technological innovations. Just as MSU was the country’s first higher-ed institution to teach scientific agriculture, CLT&I works through the LegalRnD Lab to lead the legal industry through the use of scientific research and development, organizational excellence, and technology. Meanwhile, the Law College sitting directly across the street from MSU's highly respected Business College is well situated to train the next generation of tech-savvy transactional lawyers. To that end, CLT&I's Innovation Hub works to link law students with entrepreneurial activities, clients, and related opportunities on the MSU campus. Finally, CLT&I Research Node seeks to provide timely, practical research at the intersection of law and emerging technology to the members of the Michigan state bar and beyond.