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Abstract:
The New Jersey Courts' journey into ethical artificial intelligence (AI) offers valuable lessons for project management professionals committed to innovation rooted in accountability. Guided by the New Jersey Supreme Court's Statement of Principles, the Judiciary has built a robust framework around the core principles of independence, integrity, fairness, and quality service.
The initial rollout of NJ Courts AI Access -- a custom, secure, internal tool -- was shaped by comprehensive stakeholder collaboration, security protocols, and ongoing training for court staff and judges. Strict boundaries were established: AI serves as a support system for organizing case materials, synthesizing information, and improving workflows, but it does not replace judicial autonomy, legal expertise, or responsibility.
Policy development in 2024 and 2025 -- through preliminary usage guidelines, granular internal rules, and persistent transparency -- has ensured AI implementation aligns with ethical legal practice and court administration. The Judiciary is maintaining a human-in-the-loop approach to AI, encouraging agile feedback channels, and soliciting cross-disciplinary input from attorneys, technologists, and academics.
Importantly, AI is leveraged not for technology’s sake, but to enhance service and access to justice for all, including self-represented litigants, attorneys, and the individuals, businesses, and communities that are affected by the courts. The iterative deployment of AI tools -- always with clear guardrails -- illustrates a maturing understanding that balances innovation with responsibility. As the NJ Courts continues to expand the role of AI at all levels, the organization remains committed to tactical growth, policy refinement, and meaningful improvements, offering practical insights for PMINJ members tasked with stewarding complex, high-impact projects.
Speakers:
Jessica Lewis Kelly, Esq. (she/her/hers) is a Special Assistant to the Administrative Director of the New Jersey Courts. In this capacity, Jessica facilitates Supreme Court initiatives addressing the ethical use of artificial intelligence, legal community well-being, and equitable access to justice. She contributes to the Supreme Court Committee on AI in the Law and the New Jersey State Bar Association Standing Committee on AI. Drawing on her expertise, Jessica regularly provides training and guidance on emerging issues at the intersection of law and technology.
Jessica is a proud alumna of Rutgers School of Law and the University of Virginia.
Siva Appavoo is a Senior Project Manager with over two decades of technology leadership experience in the New Jersey court system. He leads the New Jersey Courts' data science and AI/ML program, developing strategic roadmaps and overseeing the evaluation and implementation of generative AI and enterprise AI solutions.
Outside of work, he is a father of two daughters and enjoys photography and flying.
