Speakers

Sam is a partner and CEO. He leads G+T’s operational functions and drives the firm’s strategic direction. With a strong focus on technology and innovation, he is committed to enhancing both the delivery of legal services and the efficiency of supporting business functions.

In addition to his role as CEO, Sam is on the board of LegalVision, a pioneering technology-driven legal start-up partially owned by Gilbert + Tobin. He is also a director of CEDA.

Before joining G+T as COO in 2015, Sam was previously a Partner at McKinsey & Company, advising clients across financial services, retail, agribusiness, and telecommunications with a focus on strategy and organisational effectiveness. He has also held executive roles at National Australia Bank, Aristocrat Leisure, and GPT Group.

Alison Deitz is Chief Executive Partner of Norton Rose Fulbright Australia and is based in Sydney. She is also sits on the firm’s Global Executive Management Committee. She is an experienced banking and finance lawyer with a background in regulatory and compliance advice, having been a partner at the firm since 1998. Prior to her appointment as Chief Executive Partner, she was part of the Australian executive for seven years, serving as leader of the business law practice group, encompassing the banking and finance, corporate M&A, real estate, financial restructuring and insolvency, financial services, tax and technology teams in Australia. Alison's legal practice focused on banking regulatory compliance, including anti money laundering and consumer credit compliance, acting for major international and domestic financial institutions. She also has experience in liaising with regulators and conducting regulatory enforcement litigation. Alison is co-author of the Anti-Money Laundering Handbook published by Thomson Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Laws from the University of New South Wales.

Ben Ruefli is an accomplished technology leader with extensive experience in software development, IT consulting, and corporate services management. Since joining InfoTrack in 2019, he has progressed from .NET Developer to Development Manager and now serves as Head of Global Platform. In this role, he works closely with all product teams, collaborating on R&D initiatives in AI innovation to drive advancements in legal technology and platform capabilities.

With a career spanning over three decades, Ben combines deep technical expertise with a strong business acumen to bridge the gap between technology and strategic outcomes. He holds degrees in Computer Science and Business from the University of Technology, Sydney, and has earned multiple certifications in IT infrastructure, software development, and project management. Passionate about innovation, AI and efficiency, he is dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet evolving business needs.

Catherine is Thomson Reuters’ Senior Director, AI & LegalTech for APAC and the Middle East. She has over 20 years’ experience in legal information and technology, in roles ranging across legal editorial, commercial management and strategic client relationships. Catherine is passionate about supporting the legal profession with AI-driven legal transformation and accelerating the adoption of trusted generative AI skills in the industry.

Vishal Bali is the managing director of Asia and Emerging Markets at Thomson Reuters, steering content-driven technology investments, AI-powered innovations, and leading the growth strategy and business operations execution in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

With a career spanning multiple markets in Europe, Asia-Pacific and MENA, he possesses a deep understanding of the region’s unique opportunities and challenges, making him well-equipped to deliver impactful solutions and drive growth.

Vishal’s passion lies in enabling businesses to realise their full potential with the power of data, technology, and leadership. His experience spans across driving global digital transformation, scaling new products and building new partnerships/ alliances. An avid technology lover, he is also actively involved in working with industry bodies to mentor/ train small businesses and scale ups.

Vishal is a trusted voice in artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital enablement, and eCommerce. Vishal holds a Master’s in Management Studies and a Bachelor of Science from India.

Chris McLean is the Chief Operating Officer at Law Partners, Australia’s largest specialist personal injury firm. With over two decades of executive experience across legal and consulting sectors, Chris is a strategic leader known for driving innovation at the intersection of law and technology.

A qualified lawyer with a Master of Information Technology, Chris has led firmwide transformations in AI strategy, cybersecurity, client platforms, and operational excellence. His career spans senior roles at national and international firms including Ashurst, Sparke Helmore, Piper Alderman and Jones Day.

Chris is passionate about reshaping the future of legal practice—challenging traditional models and leveraging technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and client-centricity.