On September 18 and 19, the Legal Tech Day, organized by the Legal Tech Association, took place in Berlin, attracting numerous lawyers, developers, and entrepreneurs eager to discuss the future of law in a digital world.
The event began with the Legal Tech Night, which provided a relaxed atmosphere for networking. During this session, students had the opportunity to meet many new faces and engage in conversations with experts from various fields. One of the most interesting parts of the evening was the presentation of several AI-powered applications specifically designed for law firms. These tools aim not only to ease the workload of legal professionals but also to improve the overall efficiency of work processes — from contract analysis and legal research to case management.
The following day, the event was officially opened by the Federal Minister of Justice, Dr. Marco Buschmann. In his address, he emphasized the critical importance of digitalization within the legal system and the need for its responsible advancement. His remarks set the tone for a series of presentations highlighting current trends and innovations in legal tech.
One standout presentation was given by Prof. Stefan Heinemann, Professor of Business Ethics, titled "Prompting Means Thinking." In a humorous yet profound manner, Heinemann explored the ethical implications of using AI in the legal field, offering valuable insights on how technology can be used responsibly to enhance legal practices.
Another prominent discussion centered around the topic "Kill Billables," which examined the potential shift away from traditional billing models. Participants debated how legal technology could enable a move toward value-based compensation, ultimately making day-to-day legal work more efficient.
The "Centaurus Model" also drew significant attention during the event. This model advocates for close collaboration between humans and machines, positioning AI as a support to human decision-making. The hybrid approach it offers — combining human expertise with the precision of AI — promises to greatly influence legal practice in the future.
Adding an international perspective, Dr. Roland Vogl from Stanford University provided insights into recent developments in the U.S. legal tech sector. He demonstrated how technology can improve access to justice while increasing law firm efficiency, offering an exciting glimpse into how the legal profession is evolving globally.
Legal Tech Day 2024 offered valuable insights into the future of legal work, with students taking away fresh ideas and a greater understanding of how legal tech could transform the legal system. For the students, attending this event was a unique opportunity to connect theory with practice and network with experts from around the world. They left the event excited to incorporate these new perspectives into their studies and future careers.
Text: Theodora Varla-Zografou
