Profile
The era of AI has arrived. Lisa R. Lifshitz is ready
Throughout her career, Lifshitz has practised at the intersection of law and new technology
Lisa R. Lifshitz, a partner at Torkin Manes LLP and co-chair of the firm’s AI & Innovation Group, knows that artificial intelligence will touch almost every area of practice. No matter what legal dilemma lands on her desk, Lifshitz is prepared to tackle it alongside her colleagues. “I’ve been a technology lawyer for almost my entire career, advising clients on everything from the Internet of Things to cloud computing,” she says. “I’ve been writing and speaking on AI legal issues since 2019. I am well positioned to help clients navigate the complexities of AI and adopt it successfully.”
You’ve already negotiated contracts between AI vendors and customers. When a client seeks out your advice on how to purchase an AI tool, what’s your first step?
It’s critical to understand the client’s key requirements and pain points. What benefits are they seeking? What are their legal and business concerns? Is the client in a highly regulated industry with specific compliance requirements that must be reflected in the agreement? It’s easier to mandate certain requirements if these are set out in advance.
Clients should do diligence on their chosen vendors beyond reviewing their marketing materials. What is the vendor’s industry record? Who provides the underlying technology or services? How will the vendor protect the client’s sensitive information? Will the vendor train its models on client data? Does the client own its inputs, outputs and feedback? AI use generates data ownership complexity that must be addressed in the agreement.
It’s also critical not to forget the exit, which happens because no one wants to discuss the divorce during the honeymoon. Can the client securely retrieve or delete its data, or will the vendor seek to retain elements of it? Does the client require a transition window to migrate to another vendor? Exit provisions deserve close attention.
What’s your style as a negotiator?
My clients say that I am a very strong negotiator, but I don’t go scorched earth. I want both sides to walk away feeling that we’ve reached a fair agreement. I believe in achieving balanced results.
You also represent vendors who develop AI tools. How do you approach that work?
The same way I treat all my clients. I need to understand their business and legal concerns, what matters to them in their contracts and how to mitigate their risks. I want to understand their products and long-term vision. Acting for both sides helps me be a better lawyer. It’s also exciting to help vendors achieve commercial success.
What will the AI industry look like in the next five years?
AI is one of the most disruptive technologies we’ve ever seen. While it has limitations, businesses will continue to embrace it because it can increase productivity and drive down costs. It’s incredibly seductive technology. Adoption will only intensify in the years ahead.
Have you found practical ways to use AI in your legal practice?
I use it selectively. It’s helpful as a legal springboard or sounding board when drafting specific clauses, as it makes me think about additional issues. I have shown it my own work and asked it for improvements, which I often reject. I am very mindful of AI’s present limitations and always check any content provided, since it’s my professional obligation to get it right.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
As a hike leader for the Toronto Bruce Trail Club, you will usually find me in the woods on the weekend, rain or shine, all year long. I recently joined a dragon boat team and discovered it’s great fun. I am also an avid traveller.
Lisa R. Lifshitz is an expert in AI, technology and privacy law.
Contact her today
Torkin Manes LLP
Torkin Manes LLP is a full-service law firm based in downtown Toronto. Our professionals provide legal counsel to individuals, public and private companies, and buyers and sellers of independent businesses. Our clients range from owner-operators and founders to investment funds and high net worth individuals, who value and trust our deep knowledge, experience and expertise in the Canadian mid-market. We have built our firm by consistently applying a results-oriented approach to practice that provides practical, smart, and cost-effective advice, and responsiveness to our clients. The firm is ranked the #1 Ontario Regional Law Firm by Canadian Lawyer, was named 2024 and 2025 Regional Law Firm of the Year – Central Canada (Canadian Law Awards) and is consistently shortlisted as one of Canada's Regional Law Firms of the Year by Chambers and Partners.