Hosted by Addleshaw Goddard’s commercial litigation team, the discussion featured insights from former Chief Justice of Ireland Frank Clarke, alongside technology and legal experts including Sophie Jackson, head of legal technology consulting at Addleshaw Goddard. The event examined the growing role of AI in transforming internal investigations, regulatory enquiries, and dispute resolution, while also addressing the new evidential, governance and litigation challenges arising from rapidly advancing technologies.

The roundtable encouraged an open exchange of experiences and perspectives among attendees from across a range of sectors. Discussions focused on how organisations can harness AI to improve efficiency and decision-making, while maintaining effective oversight, governance, and risk management.

Stephen Barry, senior litigation partner at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “AI is already changing the way organisations investigate issues, manage disputes and respond to regulatory scrutiny. The pace of technological development presents significant opportunities to achieve better outcomes more efficiently, but it also creates new legal and evidential challenges that require careful consideration. It was encouraging to hear such a broad range of perspectives from leading in-house counsel and business leaders on how they are navigating these developments and preparing for the future.”

Former Chief Justice of Ireland Frank Clarke said: “The legal system has always adapted to technological change, and the emergence of AI represents the latest and perhaps most far-reaching chapter in that evolution. As these tools become increasingly embedded in business processes and decision-making, it is important that organisations understand not only their benefits, but also the implications for evidence, accountability, and the administration of justice. Events such as this provide an important forum for sharing knowledge and encouraging informed discussion.”

Sophie Jackson, head of legal technology consulting at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “Many organisations have moved beyond simply experimenting with AI and are now focused on practical implementation and exploring how to deliver measurable value from their investments. The discussion highlighted that success depends not only on selecting the right technology, but also on establishing the governance, processes and skills needed to adopt it responsibly. We are seeing increasing demand from legal teams for guidance on how to embed AI effectively while managing legal, regulatory and reputational risk.”

The roundtable also included a discussion on the evolving role of the general counsel, led by Addleshaw Goddard litigation partner Paul Dempsey and Hugh Cummins, senior legal counsel at RWE Renewables. Drawing on his experience within one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, Mr Cummins shared practical insights into how AI is starting to impact the in-house legal function and how it provides opportunity to empower legal teams to work more effectively while highlighting the importance of robust AI governance, risk management and accountability frameworks.

The event forms part of Addleshaw Goddard’s ongoing programme of thought leadership and client engagement focused on legal innovation, technology, and the future of dispute resolution. Building on the success of the discussion, the firm intends for the roundtable to become an annual forum for senior legal and business leaders to explore emerging developments shaping the disputes landscape.