Legal Tech Seminar - Beyond the Hype, AI in Legal Practice

The Newcastle and North of England Law Society, in collaboration with its sponsor Jungle IT, is delighted to host a Legal Tech Seminar for members on Thursday 15 October, from 4.00pm – 6.00pm, kindly hosted by Ward Hadaway.

The seminar forms part of the Society's newly re-established Legal Tech Initiative, led by Committee Member David Dewar, Associate Director at Winn Solicitors. With a longstanding interest in legal technology, David is spearheading the development of this important programme, which aims to help legal professionals embrace technology in a practical and meaningful way.

Bringing together leading experts from the legal and technology sectors and Bar, the seminar will focus on the practical implementation of legal technology rather than theoretical discussion. The objective is simple: every attendee should leave with at least one idea, technique or solution that can be implemented in their own organisation or practice the very next day.

We are delighted to welcome three outstanding speakers:

• Akber Datoo, Founder and CEO of D2 Legal Technology, Co-Chair of The Law Society's Technology and Law Committee, Professor at the University of Surrey, and recognised by the Financial Times as one of the "Top 10 Market Shapers" in the Intelligent Business Awards. Akber is a leading authority on artificial intelligence and digital transformation within the legal sector. His presentation will cover: AI Adoption: Pick a Lane, and Build the Appropriate Guardrails
• Lee Fish, Barrister, New Park Court Chambers. Lee is an experienced barrister specialising in serious crime, regulatory and environmental law. He will explore the practical and regulatory issues arising from the use of AI from a barrister's perspective. Drawing on his experience of complex and sensitive cases, he will consider the risks practitioners need to be alive to, the changing professional landscape and the responsibilities that arise when AI is used in legal practice.
• Urfaan Azhar, Head of Cloud and AI at Jungle IT. Urfaan is an experienced technology executive specialising in cloud computing and artificial intelligence, helping organisations adopt innovative technologies to improve efficiency and performance. Urfaan will present: Making Better Use of the Technology You Already Have.

Each speaker will share one key lesson or practical takeaway that delegates can immediately apply within their own organisation or practice area, ensuring the seminar delivers genuine value and actionable insights.

The presentations will be followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring both speakers together with His Honour Judge Thomas, Designated Civil Judge for Newcastle, providing delegates with the opportunity to hear different perspectives on the future of legal technology and ask questions.

Whether your firm is beginning its digital transformation journey or looking to build on existing innovations, this seminar offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical knowledge, hear from industry leaders and network with fellow legal professionals.

The event flyer can be found here. To register your interest, please email mail@newcastlelawsociety.co.uk