The Law Association of New Zealand

AI for Legal Practitioners: Why fear is not a strategy

Lawyers are drowning in AI advice, complexity, and hype – but most still don’t know how to use basic tools. The barrier isn’t access. It’s analogue thinking applied to a digital world.

Every legal matter still starts the same way it always has: correspondence, file notes, invoices, internal memos, research. The file remains the source of truth – but that truth is now scattered across Outlook, file explorers, PDFs, and Word documents. Poor workflows, disorganised digital ecosystems, and inbox-centric practice compound the problem. Too much data, too many places – even the best AI can’t help you if your house isn’t in order.

The landscape is moving fast. In 2025, we had chatbots, voice tools, and variable results. In 2026, the shift is structural: connected workspaces, real integrations, autonomous agents, and a move from chat to action. A single lawyer with well-configured tools can now do work that previously required a team – and the advantage goes to whoever builds fastest, not whoever has the largest budget.

Standing still is not an option. “”I’ll wait until it’s better”” is the same logic as refusing to use email in 1998. Every technology wave rewards early adopters and penalises the late ones. Waiting is itself a decision, with its own consequences.

This session is about closing that gap – understanding the landscape, cutting through the noise, and building tools that work the way you work.

Learning Outcomes

  • Sharpen your understanding of AI's current context in legal practice.
  • Develop practical awareness of the tools available and where they add real value.
  • Understand why professional autonomy – not firm-led rollouts – is the real opportunity.


Who Should Attend?

All legal practitioners.


Presenter

Josh McBride | Barrister, Richmond Chambers

Josh McBride

Josh McBride is a barrister at Richmond Chambers. With over 25 years of experience, his practice encompasses complex commercial and construction litigation, as well as technology-related disputes across multiple jurisdictions, including New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

A strong proponent of innovation in legal practice, Josh actively incorporates advanced AI technologies to enhance legal analysis, manage complex evidence, and inform strategic decision-making. 

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Details

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

Member: $120 plus GST
Non-Member: $170 plus GST




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Registration

Registration Close Date

16/07/2026
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