NOVA School of Law brings alumni community together in São Paulo to discuss the challenges of Artificial Intelligence

On 27 May, NOVA School of Law brought its alumni community together in São Paulo for a meeting dedicated to the impact of Artificial Intelligence on businesses’ day-to-day operations, thereby strengthening its ties with the international network of former students.

Held at the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in Brazil, the event featured the Dean of NOVA School of Law, Margarida Lima Rego, as well as Professors Maria de Lurdes Pereira and Vera Lúcia Raposo. It brought together graduates, professionals, and members of the NOVA community living in Brazil. Also in attendance were the Consul General of Portugal in São Paulo, Ambassador António Pedro Rodrigues, and Francisco Saião Costa, Director of the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP).

With the theme “The risks and challenges of artificial intelligence in the day-to-day operations of businesses: the situation in Portugal and Brazil”, the meeting encouraged reflection on the legal, regulatory and ethical challenges associated with the increasing use of artificial intelligence, and fostered dialogue between two distinct realities which nevertheless face increasingly converging challenges.

As part of the programme, Professor Vera Lúcia Raposo gave a presentation on the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Regulation, highlighting the key aspects that companies must consider when offering AI-based products or services in the European market. The session also addressed some of the most relevant legal issues of the moment, including personality rights, contracts, civil liability, healthcare, consumer protection and the future of private law in light of the challenges posed by these new technologies.

A growing community between Portugal and Brazil

Rather than being just a debate on one of today’s central topics, the initiative provided an opportunity to reconnect with the NOVA community in Brazil, strengthen relationships and encourage the sharing of experiences among professionals working in various legal and business contexts.

The meeting was also marked by the launch of a proposal to establish a NOVA School of Law Alumni Association in Brazil. This proposal reinforces the School’s commitment to maintaining close relationships with its former students, as well as consolidating an ever-growing international network capable of generating new opportunities for collaboration, networking and professional development.

The strong presence of the NOVA community in Brazil reflects the growing interest among international students, particularly Brazilian students, in the School. For those who choose to study in Portugal, NOVA School of Law offers an internationally oriented academic experience based on excellence in teaching, innovation and strong connections with a global community of students, faculty and alumni. The linguistic and cultural proximity between Portugal and Brazil makes this experience especially appealing to Brazilian students, who find in Lisbon a privileged setting in which to develop skills, broaden their horizons, and build an international network of contacts.

The São Paulo reunion clearly demonstrated the strength of this community. From academic paths forged in Lisbon to careers developed around the globe, NOVA School of Law alumni are connected by a network that fosters dialogue, collaboration, and the creation of new professional opportunities, confirming that the NOVA experience extends far beyond graduation.