The latest Women in Legal Tech event, on the 7th July, brought together legal technology professionals for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on “AI & You”, exploring how women can embrace artificial intelligence, navigate the noise surrounding the technology, and position themselves for the opportunities ahead.
Moderated by Nina Gratrick, IT Director (West), Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, the session featured insights from Josie West, Chief Innovation Officer at Foil, and Hannah O'Grady, Director of Digital Change at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. Through a candid and interactive conversation, attendees explored both the practical realities and future implications of AI in the legal sector.
How Are We Using AI Today?
The session began by asking attendees how they are currently using AI, both professionally and personally. The responses highlighted that AI is already becoming part of everyday life and work.
In the workplace, attendees reported using AI to:
- Improve general efficiency and productivity
- Help initiate PowerPoint presentations and slide decks
- Create meeting notes and summaries
- Develop training materials
- Support legal research
Outside of work, AI is also finding a place in day-to-day activities, including:
- Planning holidays
- Shopping
- Cooking
However, one audience poll revealed an interesting challenge. When asked how many hours they set aside each week specifically to experiment with and explore AI, the average response was zero.
This sparked a wider conversation about the gender gap in technology adoption and confidence. While many women are actively using AI tools, there is often less dedicated time spent exploring emerging capabilities, experimenting with new applications, or simply playing with the technology. The speakers highlighted the importance of creating space for curiosity and learning to ensure women remain at the forefront of innovation.
Seeing Through the AI Hype
With AI dominating headlines and vendors racing to launch new products, attendees were keen to understand how to cut through the marketing noise.
The speakers encouraged a balanced and realistic approach:
- Be comfortable with vulnerability. We are only a couple of years into the AI revolution, and nobody has all the answers.
- Avoid focusing solely on the latest tools. AI is far broader than individual products and applications.
- Make time for curiosity and experimentation.
- Research tools carefully, read reviews, and share experiences openly with your network.
- Connect with others working in the space to understand what is truly delivering value rather than relying on headlines and marketing claims.
- Remember that while many organisations are rushing to build AI agents, processes often need fixing first. Technology alone cannot solve operational challenges.
The discussion reinforced that successful adoption of AI requires thoughtful implementation rather than simply chasing the newest solution.
How Will AI Change the Way We Work?
The panel also explored which aspects of legal work are most likely to evolve as AI capabilities continue to advance.
The consensus was that tasks that are highly repeatable and process-intensive are most likely to be automated or significantly transformed. At the same time, legal organisations will need to address cultural barriers to innovation.
The speakers noted that many law firms still prefer to see others take the first step before embracing new approaches themselves. If the profession is to fully realise the benefits of AI, this mindset may need to change.
Other factors likely to influence adoption include:
- The cost of AI technologies
- Regulatory developments
- Growing trust in AI systems
While AI agents are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the panel agreed that human oversight, judgement, and direction remain essential. However, the point at which organisations become comfortable trusting AI may arrive sooner than many expect.
The Skills of the Future
One of the most compelling discussions centred on how roles and skillsets will evolve in an AI-enabled workplace.
The speakers highlighted the growing importance of the hybrid professional: individuals who combine legal expertise with technological understanding.
Future leaders will be those who can:
- Understand both legal practice and technology
- Orchestrate AI agents and workflows
- Communicate clearly with technology teams
- Identify opportunities to create value through innovation
- Apply strong critical thinking and judgement
Encouragingly, the panel highlighted that this evolution presents significant opportunities for women to shape the future of the profession and take on influential roles within the AI ecosystem.
Opportunity, Innovation and Courage
When discussing opportunities within the AI space, the speakers encouraged attendees to think beyond technology implementation and consider leadership and influence.
There is a growing need for:
- Subject matter experts
- Trusted voices and influencers
- Innovation champions
- Individuals willing to demonstrate what is possible
The panel stressed that those who know their roles and organisations best are often in the strongest position to identify meaningful opportunities for AI adoption.
Equally important is having the confidence to admit when you do not know the answer. Innovation often requires stepping into uncertainty and learning along the way.
Advice from the Future
To close the session, the speakers reflected on what their future selves might tell them today.
Their advice was refreshingly practical:
- Don't be distracted by the hype.
- Recognise that AI challenges are often operational model challenges rather than purely technology challenges.
- Understand not only when to use AI, but also when not to use it.
- Consider cost, value and business outcomes when deciding where AI can have the greatest impact.
Final Thought
The discussion concluded with a powerful reminder for everyone in the room:
AI is not the enemy, and it is not magic. It is a companion.
As legal professionals continue to navigate a rapidly changing landscape, the message from the session was clear: stay curious, make time to experiment, embrace uncertainty, and recognise the unique opportunity women have to help shape the future of AI in the legal sector.
The future will not be defined by the tools we use, but by how we choose to apply them.