LawFest returned to Auckland this week, bringing together lawyers, technologists and industry leaders to explore how AI and technology is reshaping legal practice and what the next phase of change could mean for the profession. 

Opening day two of the conference, Australian futurist Steve Sammartino told delegates that artificial intelligence should be viewed less as a threat and more as a fundamental shift in how knowledge work is done. 

“The AI job apocalypse is laughable,” Sammartino said. “There is always a hack and a path, and lawyers are the masters of finding it.” 

Sammartino described AI as a “language-based revolution” that will transform how businesses operate, while still requiring careful oversight and professional judgement. He predicted rapid advances in agent-based systems capable of carrying out complex objectives and suggested that robots could become common and affordable within the next decade. 

Despite the pace of technological change, Sammartino emphasised that human relationships will remain central to professional services. 

“Sometimes where something is from is more important than what it is,” he said. “People want to meet you, look you in the eye and shake your hand in the human way.” 

Those themes carried through into a panel discussion later in the day hosted by Law Association of New Zealand Chief Executive Clayton Kimpton, which examined how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are changing the nature of legal work. 

The discussion between Jo Stevenson, People & Culture Director at Simpson Grierson, Wenee Yap, Director of AI Literacy, 43° Below and Hayden Wilson, who is New Zealand Chair and Global Vice Chair at Dentons, focused on how automation is already reshaping some of the routine tasks traditionally performed by junior lawyers. Activities such as large-scale document review and discovery, once a common starting point for new practitioners, are increasingly supported by technology. 

Rather than diminishing the role of lawyers, the panel suggested these tools could accelerate the development of professional skills by allowing younger practitioners to engage earlier with complex analysis, client interaction and legal reasoning. 

The panelists also highlighted the importance of organisations creating environments where lawyers could safely explore and learn new technologies. They agreed supporting experimentation, training and change management would be critical as firms integrate AI tools into everyday practice. As a final thought the panel highlighted that taking time to play and be curious with AI would be key to success. 

Earlier in the day Tessa van Duyn, chief executive and practice manager at Melbourne law firm Moores, said the rise of AI is accelerating a shift away from time-based billing towards value-based pricing models focused on outcomes rather than hours. 

She told delegates that moving away from the billable hour required a significant mindset change for many lawyers accustomed to measuring their work in six-minute increments. At Moores, the transition had initially been challenging, with some clients and staff struggling to adapt. 

However, van Duyn said the firm ultimately found that value-based pricing strengthened client relationships by providing greater transparency, certainty and choice around the services delivered. 

Across the conference, speakers returned to a consistent theme; while technology will reshape how legal work is carried out, the profession’s most valuable capabilities remain deeply human. Skills such as critical thinking, ethical judgement, communication and client relationships will continue to define the role of lawyers in the years ahead. 

The Law Association was a Platinum sponsor of LawFest in 2026 and maintained a strong presence throughout the event, connecting with members and participants and contributing to conversations about the profession’s future. 

The conference also provided an opportunity to highlight the Law Association’s new brand direction centred on the message, For every lawyer, at every step. 

The campaign reflects the Law Association’s commitment to supporting lawyers and legal professionals throughout their careers, providing advocacy, leadership and practical support as the profession adapts to an increasingly complex and fast-moving legal environment.