As developments in Generative AI continue to move at remarkable speed, legal practitioners are grappling not only with what the technology can do but also with how to make sound and defensible decisions using it within their own practices.
QLS Director, Education Jacqui Lynagh said the pace of change means there is limited guidance for firms to draw on, which has been a major consideration in planning AI program at QLS Symposium 2026.
“In this environment the experience of practitioners and firms already experimenting with Generative AI becomes one of the most valuable forms of insight available to the profession,” Ms Lynagh said.
“Rather than exploring theoretical possibilities or distant future scenarios, this year’s four AI-focused sessions centre on what GenAI adoption looks like in the real world: how legal teams are using the tools today, what safeguards they rely on, what practical obstacles they encountered, and which benefits have proven meaningful.”
She said practitioners are weighing up opportunity and risk at the same time.
“When a technology is developing this quickly, it’s normal and appropriate to exercise caution – but caution doesn’t have to mean paralysis,” she said.
“Hearing how others have made decisions, set boundaries, built capability and adjusted their approach over time can give you a credible starting point.”
She said that with GenAI being new and often complex to navigate alone, the Symposium sessions are built around use cases to move discussion away from broad discussion, toward practical detail.
“When and why a particular tool is selected, how outputs are verified, what teams do when the technology fails, and how workflows are reshaped without placing unsustainable additional burden on already busy legal practitioners,” Ms Lynagh explained.
“Sessions will also allow attendees to compare approaches across different practice types and contexts, acknowledging that GenAI adoption will never be one-size-fits-all.
“Practice area, matter types, existing systems, risk appetite, client requirements and team capability all shape what ‘good adoption’ is,” she said.
“By bringing multiple perspectives into the room, the program aims to help practitioners compare approaches and extract principles they can adapt.”
The AI sessions form part of the extensive Symposium 2026 program, designed to give every practitioner, across every practice area, the opportunity to create a day of education tailored to their professional needs.
With more than 30 workshops, case studies, panels and keynote sessions, this year’s program offers dedicated content for key practice areas, alongside a diverse selection of sessions in legal tech, practice management and professional skills.
Attendees can curate a tailored Symposium experience by mixing in sessions from substantive law, practice management including legal technology, and professional skills workshops. Explore what’s most relevant to your practice and where you want to develop in your career.
QLS Symposium 2026 will be held on 13 March 2026. Registrations are open now.
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