Speakers

Artificial Intelligence, Very Human Reactions  

Exploring the hidden organisational dynamics influencing AI adoption in legal practice. If the advantages of AI seem so compelling, why do many law firms seem to struggle to move from experimentation to consistent everyday adoption? The Legal Innovation & Tech Fest 2026 research reports highlight a profession in transition. Generative AI is moving rapidly from experimentation to implementation, yet many organisations are experiencing uneven uptake, fluctuating enthusiasm and uncertainty about where AI genuinely adds value.

Join Andrea Foot in this informative session as she explores the deeper psychological and organisational dynamics shaping those patterns. Drawing on systems-psychodynamic thinking and her work with law firms and professional services organisations, organisational consultant and executive coach Andrea examines the very human reactions influencing how AI adoption unfolds in practice. Professional identity, status dynamics, fear of visible mistakes and established organisational structures all shape how lawyers interpret, embrace, resist or quietly ignore new technology.

Rather than viewing these reactions simply as barriers to innovation, this session reframes them as valuable signals about how legal organisations are experiencing technological change.Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the human dynamics shaping AI adoption, and how anyone leading law firm change can support more effective, sustainable implementation.