The legal industry is on the cusp of a transformative era, driven by the convergence of technology, culture and innovative practices. This year’s LawFest conference in Auckland on 6 March provided a platform for thought leaders to discuss how these elements are reshaping the future of law. The discussions highlighted the importance of being relevant, authentic and values-driven in an ever-evolving landscape.

Embracing generative AI

Lisa Jacobs, CEO of national law firm Anthony Harper, emphasised the disruptive potential of generative AI. “Generative AI is the disruptor we’ve all been waiting for,” she stated. Jacobs highlighted how AI is poised to revolutionise the legal industry, in the same way that Excel changed accountancy and CAD changed design firms. AI will help with automating administrative tasks, allowing lawyers to focus more on client relationships and strategic thinking. “We need to think about how we train our lawyers differently and prepare them for a future where AI handles much of the transactional work,” she added.

Working differently

The theme of working differently resonated throughout the conference. Fionnghuala Cuncannon, one of the founding partners of litigation boutique Cuncannon, discussed the flexibility her team embraces, focusing on meeting client needs while allowing for diverse working arrangements. “We’re open to anything as long as the core touchpoints are met,” she said. This approach underscores the importance of adaptability in the modern legal environment.

Glen Cornelius, chief executive at national firm Duncan Cotterill, who transitioned from engineering to law, noted the similarities between the two fields in terms of client focus and the integration of AI. “Coming from an engineering background, I see a lot of parallels in how we run our business and meet client expectations,” he explained. Cornelius stressed the need for continuous collaboration and diversity within teams to meet evolving client expectations.

The role of culture

Culture emerged as a critical factor in driving innovation and success. Brianna Boxall, general counsel at Māori fisheries trust Te Ohu Kaimoana, highlighted the importance of a values-driven model at her organisation, which balances commercial interests with sustainability. “We’ve created a culture that is very aware of the tension between utilisation and sustainability,” she explained. “It’s crucial to bring on staff who understand this balance and are committed to our values.”

Cornelius echoed this sentiment, stating: “Culture eats strategy every day. You can have the best strategy and technology, but without an open mindset and willingness to embrace change, you won’t get far.”

Looking ahead

When asked to predict the future of legal services, Jacobs envisioned a landscape where AI handles much of the transactional work, freeing lawyers to engage more deeply with clients. “I think we’ll see a shift away from the billable hour model, with firms adopting new pricing structures to reflect the value of their advisory services,” she predicted.

Cuncannon echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for the legal profession to adapt its training and practice models to keep pace with technological advancements. “The speed of work is increasing, and we need to ensure our junior lawyers are equipped with the skills to handle core legal work early on,” she said.

Practical applications of AI

The practical applications of AI in legal practice were a focal point of the discussions. Cornelius shared how his firm is exploring AI for workflow improvements and research. “We’re still in the early stages, but we’re looking at how AI can improve our efficiencies and help with tasks like contract checking and research,” he said.

Boxall described using AI to enhance client education and engagement. “AI helps us educate ourselves and scope our legal questions more effectively,” she noted. “It allows us to approach our external providers with a better understanding of the issues at hand.”

The importance of training

Training emerged as a key theme, with several speakers highlighting the need for new approaches. “We need to rethink how we train our junior lawyers,” Jacobs said. “AI will take over much of the routine work, so we need to focus on developing their skills as trusted advisors.”

Cuncannon expressed concern about the diminishing opportunities for junior lawyers to gain practical experience. “The profession needs to grapple with how to provide meaningful training in an AI-driven world,” she said. “We need to ensure our junior lawyers are prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Conclusion

The insights shared at LawFest 2025 underscore the transformative potential of technology and culture in the legal industry. As we look to the future, it is clear that embracing innovation, fostering a values-driven culture and adapting to new ways of working will be essential for legal professionals to thrive. The journey ahead is challenging, but with the right mindset and tools, the legal industry can navigate this transformation successfully.

Ben Paul is the founder and CEO of The BD Ladder, a business development and marketing consultancy. He has more than 20 years’ experience in providing business development and marketing advice to law firms and other professional services firms.

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