The 2024 Blackburn Lecture

Do Lawyers Have a Future? Legal Practice in the Age of AI

As we approach the fourth decade of the 21st century, the interest in, and application of, artificial intelligence to the practice of law stands to fundamentally change the nature of legal practice, for better or for worse.

In the 2024 Blackburn lecture, Anne Trimmer examines the impact that AI is already having in the legal profession, and questions how, as a profession, lawyers can continue preserve the integrity of legal practice, adhering to the ethical boundaries of the profession. Anne also considers whether AI can be used to democratise access to the law.

 

Anne Trimmer AO BA LLB FAAL FAICD

After graduating from the Australian National University, Anne Trimmer practised law in Canberra and in Sydney as a commercial lawyer focusing on corporate governance and technology contracting. She was a partner of several firms, finishing her legal career at Minter Ellison from which she resigned in 2006. After leaving legal practice, Anne spent seven years as the CEO of the Medical Technology Association of Australia, an industry body engaged in advocacy for public policies to support access to medical technology, and to develop an effective Australian medical technology sector.

In 2013 Anne was appointed Secretary General of the Australian Medical Association, the peak body representing Australia’s doctors in its public advocacy. Anne served five years in this role, participating in many challenging policy issues on behalf of Australia’s medical profession.

Anne was elected the first female president of the Law Society of the ACT in 1995 and, during her second term in 1996, was elected to the executive of the Law Council of Australia, becoming the second female president of the Law Council in 2000. During her term, the Law Council provided strong advocacy on many political issues which continue to resonate – from reform of Australia’s administrative tribunals, to refugee policy.

Since completing her term as Secretary General of the AMA, Anne has continued to hold board roles in the health sector. Anne was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2020. She is a Foundation Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law, and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Event details

  • This is an on-demand webinar you can watch at anytime - a link and password will be sent to you when you register. 
  • Members will earn 1 CPD point in core area 4.
  • This recording was made on Tuesday 21 May 2024, and will expire on 31 December 2024.
  • Cost: Free

Event registration terms and conditions

ACT Law Society invoices have payment terms of 14 days. Fees are payable upon registration. A 1.2% surcharge may be incurred on payments processed via credit/debit card. The Society reserves the right to cancel or alter events at its discretion, and in such circumstances, attendees will be notified via email. 

Definitions — 'Registration' means any booking given to the Society in writing, on our website, or by phone. 'Member' means any member of the ACT Law Society, including associate members and honorary members. 'New Lawyer' means any member who has held a practising certificate for five years or less. 'CLC' means any member working for a recognised community legal centre, or holding a volunteer practising certificate. 'Student' means any member holding a student membership.

All cancellations must be made in writing, and all cancellations will incur a fee, however, no charge will be incurred for substituting another person. Outside of the cancellation periods given below, a $10 administration fee will be incurred for any cancellation made. If a registered attendee fails to attend without notifying the Society in writing, no credit or refund will be offered and 100% of the total cost will be retained by the Society. 

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Registration

Member Registration Free Register
Non-member registration $70.00(GST incl.) Register

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Schedule

Speakers

Sponsors & Supporters

Lawcover is a proud sponsor of the 2024 ACT Law Society Law Week, in support of the legal profession in the ACT.

Lawcover is Australia’s only profession-owned, APRA regulated insurer of the legal profession. We provide PI cover to law practices in New South Wales, the ACT and NT, as well a number of national firms and Community Legal Centres.

Lawcover provides outstanding claims service, as well as:

· Risk Management Education Program events and resources, delivered in person or online at no or low cost, attracting CPD points and comprehensive premium discounts.

· Unlimited Run-Off cover for ceased practices/retired practitioners, at no additional cost

· Cyber risk cover to the value of $50,000 per practice, at no additional cost

By helping to foster an environment of collaboration and knowledge sharing, Lawcover aims to assist the ACT Law Society with promoting standards of excellence in the provision of legal services - resulting in better outcomes for clients and the community.

Lawcover - more than insurance.