Interview with Nataliia Fursenko, PhD in Law
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the legal profession. From legal research and document analysis to cross-border compliance and access to justice, digital technologies are redefining how lawyers work and how legal services are delivered. At the same time, these developments raise fundamental questions about regulation, professional ethics, human oversight, and the protection of fundamental rights.
We spoke with Nataliia Fursenko, PhD in Law—an international legal expert in international, European, and immigration law, legal practitioner, researcher, and LegalTech innovator—about the future of the legal profession, responsible AI, and the role of technology in expanding access to legal services.
— Artificial intelligence is often described as the next technological revolution. How is it changing the legal profession?
Artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming legal practice, but I do not believe it will replace lawyers. Law is built on judgment, interpretation, ethics, and responsibility. These elements cannot simply be automated.
What AI can do extremely well is process vast amounts of legal information, identify relevant legislation, compare judicial decisions, and significantly reduce the time required for legal research. This allows lawyers to devote more attention to strategic thinking, legal analysis, and client representation.
In my view, the future belongs to professionals who combine deep legal expertise with technological competence. AI should strengthen professional judgment—not replace it.
— Your research focuses on LegalTech and digital transformation. What inspired this direction?
For more than fifteen years I have worked in international and immigration law, human rights, and cross-border legal matters. Daily practice demonstrated how complex it can be to navigate multiple legal systems simultaneously.
Working across Ukrainian, Spanish, European, and international legal frameworks requires continuous analysis of legislation, administrative procedures, judicial practice, and international standards. This experience inspired my research into how technology can simplify legal processes while preserving legal certainty and professional responsibility.
My work seeks to combine academic research with practical legal solutions that improve efficiency without compromising the rule of law.
— One of your best-known projects is the Legal Bridge Method. What is its purpose?
The Legal Bridge Method is my authorial methodology developed to support legal work involving cross-border legal systems. It combines legal expertise, structured analytical methodology, comparative legal analysis, and digital technologies into a coherent framework for addressing complex international legal issues.
The concept behind the method is to create a practical “legal bridge” between different legal systems, enabling lawyers to organize legal information more effectively and navigate international legal procedures with greater consistency.
Rather than replacing legal expertise, the methodology is designed to strengthen professional legal analysis and improve access to structured legal guidance in increasingly global legal environments.
More information about the methodology is available through the LegalPilot project.
— You also developed LegalPilot. How does it complement your research?
LegalPilot represents the practical continuation of my research into LegalTech and responsible artificial intelligence.
The platform is designed to support legal professionals by assisting with legal research, document analysis, information management, and workflow organization using AI-powered technologies.
However, one principle remains fundamental throughout the project: artificial intelligence should always remain a professional support tool. Final legal decisions require human expertise, ethical judgment, and professional accountability.
Technology can improve productivity, but responsibility always belongs to the lawyer.
— What do you consider the biggest legal challenges surrounding artificial intelligence today?
The discussion has moved beyond whether AI should be used. The real question is how to regulate its responsible use.
Transparency, accountability, data protection, explainability of AI systems, cybersecurity, and professional ethics will define the future legal framework for artificial intelligence.
Lawyers will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that technological innovation develops alongside the protection of fundamental rights and the rule of law.
— Alongside your academic work, you are also a legal practitioner and human rights advocate. How does practice influence your research?
Academic research and legal practice complement each other.
As a legal practitioner focusing on the protection of Ukrainians abroad, immigration law, human rights, and access to justice for diaspora communities, I encounter real legal challenges that cannot always be solved through traditional approaches alone.
Working across Ukrainian, Spanish, European, and international legal systems provides valuable insight into how legal innovation can improve both legal practice and public access to legal services.
Research becomes meaningful when it addresses practical legal needs.
— How do you see the legal profession evolving over the next decade?
Lawyers of the future will combine legal expertise with technological literacy.
Artificial intelligence will become a standard professional tool, but the defining qualities of lawyers will remain independent judgment, ethical responsibility, critical thinking, and commitment to the rule of law.
The future is not about competition between humans and machines. It is about responsible collaboration, where technology expands professional capabilities while lawyers remain accountable for legal decisions.
About the Interviewee
Nataliia Fursenko, PhD in Law, is an international legal expert specializing in international, European, and immigration law, a legal practitioner, researcher, and human rights advocate focusing on the protection of Ukrainians abroad, immigration law, human rights, and access to justice for diaspora communities. She works at the intersection of the Ukrainian, Spanish, European, and international legal systems.
She serves as Associate Professor at the Department of Constitutional, International and Criminal Law of Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University and conducts research in LegalTech, digital transformation of the legal profession, and AI regulation.
Nataliia Fursenko is an Honorary Member of the British AI Leadership Association, a member of the Association of Workers of Ukraine, and a recipient of the Order of Saint Sophia for her professional achievements in international and immigration law.
She is the author of the Legal Bridge Method and the developer of LegalPilot.
Her research focuses on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in legal services, digital transformation of the legal profession, international law, human rights, and innovative legal technologies.