On 11 + 12 March, the legal community came together at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre for LawFest 2026, and what an incredible two days it was.
With 570+ attendees, this was our largest LawFest yet !
The event brought together legal professionals, innovators and technology leaders from across Aotearoa and abroad. From the moment the doors opened there was a real sense of excitement, with people reconnecting with peers, meeting new faces and exploring how technology and new ways of working are shaping the future delivery of legal services.
A New Era for LawFest: The Expo & Networking Afternoon
This year marked a new era for LawFest, with the introduction of a two-day format. Day One saw the launch of the Expo & Networking Afternoon, opening the doors for the wider profession to discover the latest legal-tech solutions and connect with innovators. With 40+ exhibitors under one roof, the Expo floor was buzzing with demonstrations, conversations and new connections. The energy continued into the evening networking function, with exhibitors commenting on the quality of engagement and thoughtful conversations they had with attendees about real challenges and opportunities facing the profession.
Day Two delivered the LawFest conference we all know and love, expertly guided by MC Janey Haringa, with a programme designed to challenge thinking while keeping a strong focus on the role people play in driving innovation.
AI, Opportunity and the Human Layer
Opening keynote Steve Sammartino set the tone for the day with his infectious energy in a session that was both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Cutting through the hype surrounding artificial intelligence, he explored how organisations can optimise operations and unlock new ways of working—while emphasising that successful adoption ultimately depends on the human layer of curiosity, creativity and leadership.
The Rise of the “Legal Frontier Department”
Ben Gilbert from Microsoft ANZ then brought the concept of the “legal frontier department” to life, sharing practical examples of how legal teams are already integrating AI into workflows to:
streamline operations
uncover insights
create space for higher-value strategic work
His session highlighted how forward-thinking legal teams are redefining the role of the legal function within modern organisations.
Responsible AI: Governance, Ethics and Trust
Responsible and ethical adoption of technology was a key theme throughout the programme.
In Shaping Responsible AI, Dr Sarah Mitchell, Joy Guo and Rick Shera explored the practical realities of AI governance, ethics and transparency. Their discussion highlighted how organisations can adopt new technology responsibly while maintaining trust and accountability.
Rethinking Legal Business Models
Leading law firm CEO Tessa van Duyn shared Moores’ journey of switching off billable hours and moving to value-based pricing.
Through candid examples of both successes and lessons learned, she demonstrated how firms can experiment with alternative pricing models and leverage technology to free lawyers to focus more on meaningful client outcomes and stronger relationships.
Making AI Work in Real Legal Environments
One of New Zealand’s premier AI barristers, Josh McBride, tackled one of the biggest questions organisations are asking today: How do we move beyond AI hallucinations and make AI reliable in real-world legal environments?
Through practical demonstrations and prompting techniques, he showed how legal professionals can integrate AI into their processes while maintaining professional standards and strong risk management.
Leadership, Culture and Working Differently
A major focus throughout the day was the human side of transformation.
The Working Differently panel, featuring Andrew Petersen, Renika Siciliano, Scott Moran and An-Ru Stevens, explored how leadership, culture, and collaboration are critical to driving meaningful change.
Their discussion reinforced a key message repeated throughout the event: Technology alone does not create transformation – people and culture do.
Reimagining the Legal Workforce
In the Reimagining the Legal Workforce panel, Clayton Kimpton (Chief Executive of The Law Association of New Zealand) moderated a fascinating conversation with Jo Stevenson, Hayden Wilson and Wenee Yap.
Together they explored how the roles, skills and structures within legal teams are evolving, and how organisations can develop adaptable professionals who thrive in a world where technology is embedded in everyday legal work.
Real Stories of Legal Innovation: Tech Talks
The always-popular Tech Talks once again proved to be a highlight of the programme. Legal professionals shared real stories of technology adoption within their organisations, offering practical insights into:
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why innovation projects began
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how they were implemented
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challenges encountered along the way
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lessons learned
These short sessions gave attendees real-world examples they could take back and apply within their own teams.
At Its Core, LawFest Is About People
In a world increasingly shaped by AI and constant change, it is not just the technology that matters – it is the people who adapt, connect, and lead through it. Across both days, that was unmistakable.
The networking and sense of community stood out everywhere – in the Expo hall, between sessions, and into the evening functions. The venue was full of energy, with conversations flowing, ideas being challenged, and new connections forming.
Because ultimately, that is what LawFest does best. It brings people together to learn from each other, share experiences, and explore how technology can enhance the way we work.
Thank You to the LawFest Community
A huge thank you to our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and everyone who attended.
Your enthusiasm, openness and willingness to share ideas made the event truly special, and the momentum around legal innovation in New Zealand has never felt stronger.
We can’t wait to bring the community together again next year.
See you at LawFest 2027!
