Schedule and Agenda

Risk is rising – why in-house counsel can’t afford to sit still

Geopolitical volatility, regulatory scrutiny, and shifting client expectations are creating new layers of complexity for corporate Australia. In-house teams are staring into the heart of this complexity and are expected not only to manage risk, but to shape strategy and guide ethical decision making. In this session, our panellists will unpack the forces reshaping the compliance landscape, explore the evolving expectations of legal leaders, and examine how in-house teams are building influence in a world where legal risk is business risk.

The reality of AI: How in-house teams are adapting to automation

For in-house counsel, the technology conversation isn’t optional – it's operational. As legal teams face rising workloads, growing regulatory demands, and increasing pressure to do more with less, AI and automation are shifting from future ambition to immediate necessity. In this session, our panellists will examine where emerging technology is reshaping legal service delivery, where the limits of automation still lie, and what skills, strategies, and safeguards in-house leaders need to adopt as technology changes the shape – and speed – of legal work.

Leading from the centre: Building future-ready legal teams

In-house teams sit at the sharp edge of shifting corporate expectations. Today’s legal leaders are not just technical experts – they’re strategic advisers, risk managers, and culture carriers. But with expanding remits, leaner teams, and heightened regulatory scrutiny, building a legal function for the future requires new approaches to leadership, talent, and capability. In this session, our panellists will explore how in-house teams are evolving, and what it takes to lead, attract, and retain talent in today’s competitive environment.

Lunch and networking

Stepping out of the shadows: The competitive forces affecting smaller practices

SME firms and barristers are operating in a market defined by change. The spectre of AI and automation looms large, while new market entrants, evolving client expectations and blurred professional boundaries are reshaping how legal services are bought and delivered. This session examines how smaller practices are navigating these external pressures. Our panellists will discuss the competitive dynamics at play, consider how traditional roles are shifting, and explore opportunities for collaboration in a legal market insistent on change.

The art of technology integration: Adapting to the new state of play

The rapid escalation of AI and automation is already redefining legal work, but for smaller firms and barristers, the real challenge is integrating these technologies in a way that aligns with their unique operational needs. While larger firms may have the resources to experiment and scale fluidly, SME firms and barristers must be precise and decisive to justify adoption and realise real-world benefits. In this session, our panellists will explore how SME firms and barristers are using technology to deliver better client experiences, streamline their work, and stay ahead in a digital-first market.

Strategy over size: Human-centred approaches to a technology-motivated world

Differentiation requires more than legal expertise. In an increasingly technology-dependent market, it’s crucial that smaller firms and barristers don’t lose sight of the values that underpin an authentic, sustainable practice. In this session, our panellists will explore how SME firms and barristers can leverage their unique strengths to gain a competitive edge while maintaining their firm's unique identity. From breaking away from traditional pricing structures to identifying and championing new skills and talent, we’ll explore how smaller practices are gearing up to fight in a higher weight class.

Lunch and networking