AI can automate contract drafting, review documents and risk analyses for you using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning. Tools like predictive coding in e-discovery reduce document review time by up to 75%. AI also powers legal research platforms that cut research timelines from 40 hours to less than 8, enabling lawyers to focus on strategic work. Implementing AI in law offers efficiency and innovation, but it introduces significant ethical challenges that lawyers and firms must address to maintain professional integrity and client trust. Examine the possibilities and how to gain the most from AI in your legal practice.
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Professional Skills
3.00pm to 4.00pm All about AI
- Focus on the practical applications and the associated risks of AI breaking down the fundamentals and examining how these technologies power legal AI tools
- Practical steps for law firms and corporate legal departments to implement AI responsibly and what you can do with it
- Showcase a real-time demonstration of AI working in legal practice
Presented by Alex Jenkins, Director, Curtin University, WA Data Science Innovation Hub; seasoned technology expert with over 15 years of experience in data science and artificial intelligence (AI) focusing on adoption of AI
4.00pm to 4.15pm Afternoon Tea
Description
Attend and earn 3 CPD units including:
1 unit in Ethics & Professional Responsibility
2 units in Professional Skills
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
Professional Skills
2.00pm to 3.00pm Drafting Contracts and Doing Other Things with the Help of AI
- Examine how tools like GPT-based systems are transforming drafting, research and client communication. You know that Ai can assist to make your legal work faster and easier, but what can you actually do and how can you do it?
- Develop an understanding of how lawyers can leverage AI without losing professional judgment
- Examine the skills lawyers will need to thrive in an AI-driven environment
- Beyond drafting, AI can support predictive litigation analytics and synthetic governance models where AI agents can assist boards
- Examine what other legal frameworks emerging tech might assist
Presented by SJ Price, Partner, Stirling Rose AI Advisory Practice; together with 20 years legal practice
Ethics ad Professional Responsibility
4.15pm to 5.15pm Ethical Use of Ai in Legal Practice
Examine the ethical challenges of utilising AI within your legal practice, including addressing accuracy and legal competence, client confidentiality and data security, bias and fairness and other ethical issues.
Presented by Ariel Bastian, Senior Associate, Jackson McDonald
Chair
Dirk Feinauer, Director, Feinauer Commercial Lawyers
Presenters
Dirk Feinauer, Director, Feinauer Commercial LawyersDirk Feinauer is the Director of Feinauer Commercial Lawyers, a law corporation based in Perth, and is one of the most experienced German-speaking lawyers practising in Australia. He graduated from the Australian National University, Canberra, with a Bachelor of Arts in 1989 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1991. Dirk is admitted to practise in the Federal Court and High Court of Australia, as well as the Supreme Courts of Western Australia and New South Wales. With extensive experience in complex corporate and commercial matters, Dirk regularly appears in the Superior and Federal Courts, including in cross-border disputes. He frequently presents on a range of legal topics both in Australia and internationally, and has authored numerous articles and publications.
Ariel Bastian, Senior Associate, Jackson McDonald
Ariel Bastian is a senior corporate and commercial lawyer at Jackson McDonald. She specialises in privacy, data governance, technology, AI and cybersecurity, corporate governance, commercial contracting, and advertising and marketing. A broadly recognised thought leader in privacy law, she is known for turning complex regulatory requirements into strategic opportunities for business. Sought after as a legal advisor, speaker, and trainer, Ariel helps clients navigate regulatory compliance, enabling them to manage risk confidently while leveraging information to drive growth and innovation. Her clients span a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare and life sciences, retail and e-commerce, agribusiness, government, sporting associations, and not-for-profit organisations. With experience in both private practice and as an in-house lawyer, she understands firsthand what it is like to sit in the client’s chair and navigate the often competing demands of regulatory compliance, risk management, and business success.
Alex Jenkins, Director, Curtin University
Alex Jenkins is the Director of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH), Chair & Founder of the Curtin AI in Research Group, and recently appointed as Member of the WA State Government’s new AI Advisory Board. With an extensive background in digital technologies, Alex is dedicated to advancing the use of AI across Australian business, academia, and the public sector. His work emphasises leveraging AI to enhance education and improve lives, driving innovation and practical applications in diverse sectors. Alex is committed to ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of AI adoption, elevating WADSIH to a national thought-leader in AI and fostering collaboration to promote AI’s transformative potential for societal benefit. He is also known for his impactful TEDx talk, ‘An AI Tutor for Every Child’, highlighting the potential of AI in revolutionising Australia’s education system.
SJ Price, Partner, Stirling Rose
SJ is a Partner at Stirling & Rose and is a global machine learning and digitisation expert and leads the AI Advisory Practice at Stirling & Rose. She has over 20 years’ experience in international resources companies, including leading global multidisciplinary innovation teams and has led the legal work for multi-billion dollar energy projects. SJ founded and was the inaugural chair of the AU Legal Technology and Innovation Community for the Association for Corporate Counsel. SJ has over 20 years’ experience in international resources companies, including leading the legal work for a US$34B mega-project and as legal manager for operations in Asia. She has served on leadership teams for multi-billion-dollar projects and M&A deals.
