Citing concerns about coronavirus, Stanford University has cancelled this year’s CodeX FutureLaw Conference, which had been scheduled for April 9 and would have been the conference’s eighth year, as well as the 15th anniversary of CodeX.
In an email this morning, Roland Vogl, executive director of CodeX, the Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, confirmed that the live conference has been cancelled. Anyone who had paid to register will receive refunds.
But while this news will be disappointing to many, there is a silver lining. CodeX will work with those who were scheduled to speak at the conference to produce a series of podcasts based on their planned presentations. Vogl hopes to release all the podcasts by April 9.
Yesterday, Vogl sent an email to participants in the conference notifying them of its cancellation. Here is the full text of that message:
“Dear CodeX FutureLaw Participants:
“The health and safety of our community and members is the top priority for both Stanford University and CodeX – The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and rapidly evolving events surrounding COVID-19 (also called novel coronavirus) have raised concerns around large-scale gatherings. In compliance with guidance released yesterday by Stanford, and in accordance with health guidance from the CDC, WHO, and other health authorities as well as decisions implemented by many leading corporations such as Facebook, Microsoft and Google regarding their events, we have decided to cancel the live conference at Stanford Law School on April 9. However, since we have curated an incredible line-up of experts to discuss with us critical questions affecting our legal innovation community, we are working with our speakers to produce a series of podcasts on the different topics we were planning to bring to the fore at our conference. We will do our best to release the podcasts on April 9.
“We realize that this news may bring mixed reactions, and we are also deeply disappointed that we will not have the opportunity to welcome you to campus in April for what was gearing up to be a spectacular event. Also, this is the 15th anniversary of CodeX, and we were looking forward to celebrating with you. We are incredibly grateful for the hard work of the Stanford Law School Programs and CodeX teams who have worked tirelessly to plan and organize this event. We are also grateful to all of you who rearranged your schedules to join us as speakers and participants. We will send information about the podcasts on April 9, so stay tuned. For all things FutureLaw and CodeX, visit our website and follow us on social media.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding and wish good health to all. If you have questions, please email programs@law.stanford.edu. Paid registrations will be refunded.
“Sincerely,
Roland Vogl
and the CodeX FutureLaw Organizing Committee
Prof. Michael Genesereth
Jameson Dempsey
Susan Salkind”
