At the end of October, Legal IT Insider commemorated its 30th anniversary, drawing together around 120 leaders in legal tech and knowledge sharing for a dynamic afternoon of discussions and networking. The event was highlighted by the use of interactive Catchbox microphones, adding a touch of humor and engagement to the proceedings.
Each table was adorned with printouts of Charles Christian’s original Orange Rag newsletter from October 1995, showcasing the publication’s rich history. These printouts were in orange, reflecting the newsletter’s original format on orange paper to prevent unauthorized photocopying.
TalkingTech LIVE Sessions
The afternoon featured a series of TalkingTech LIVE sessions, structured as interactive exchanges rather than traditional panels, aimed at addressing pressing issues in the legal sector today.
Security and Risk in a GenAI World
Andrew Powell, CIO of Macfarlanes, opened the session by demonstrating the risks associated with deepfake technology through a live interview with his digital twin. This engaging presentation highlighted the potential dangers as Powell’s twin humorously suggested a £2 million transfer to Caroline Hill without authentication. The demonstration served as a stark reminder of the evolving challenges AI presents, prompting discussions on enhancing security measures during video calls.
Panelists Maguelonne de Brugiere from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Lee Killner from Howes Percival, and Anthony Rokis from Thomson Reuters shared insights on systematic risk management within firms. De Brugiere emphasized the importance of embedding AI risk registers into broader enterprise risk frameworks to manage various risks effectively. The audience acknowledged the need for comprehensive risk management exercises, with only a few firms currently undertaking such initiatives.
Data Management: All That is AI Is Not Gold
Chaired by Oliver Bethell of Travers Smith, this panel delved into the realities of AI tools, emphasizing curated knowledge and data’s pivotal role in legal practice. Discussions centered around AI’s impact on client outcomes, the cleanliness of data, ROI measurement, and distinguishing efficiency from quality in AI-assisted research.
Few attendees had retired GenAI systems, but the emergence of more capable technologies like Legora was noted. Judy Mackenzie Stuart from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner highlighted that AI adoption is elevating work quality, not just efficiency. Kerri Dearing from NetDocuments pointed out the evolving ROI discourse, with AI now considered a business necessity rather than an optional investment.
Is DMS the Future?
This session, led by Tony McKenna, explored the future of legal content management. Panelists Kerry Angel from Harbottle & Lewis, Orlando Conetta from Pinsent Masons, Abby Ewen from Browne Jacobson, and Rav Ubhi from Hogan Lovells facilitated discussions on the relevance of Document Management Systems (DMS) and their evolving role in legal practice.
Attendees acknowledged the historic benefits of DMS, such as version control and auditability, but recognized a shift towards integrating DMS with broader platforms like Microsoft. The debate highlighted the need for DMS systems that truly support modern legal work environments at sustainable costs.
Partnership with RSGI
The event concluded with the announcement of Legal IT Insider’s new partnership with RSGI, a renowned global legal intelligence and advisory agency. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the legal sector, with RSGI’s founder, Reena SenGupta, sharing her memories of the first Orange Rag newsletter.
Gratitude and Future Plans
Legal IT Insider expressed gratitude to all participants and sponsors, including headline sponsors NetDocuments and Thomson Reuters. The event underscored the importance of networking and knowledge exchange in driving the legal tech world forward.
Looking ahead, Legal IT Insider plans to host smaller TalkingTech Live sessions. Interested parties can learn more by visiting devtechtrend.com.
Note: This article is inspired by content from https://legaltechnology.com/2025/11/07/legal-it-insiders-30th-anniversary-photos-and-key-takeaways/. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.