Speakers

Beyond the Hype: AI, Lawyers, and the New Shape of Legal Work   

2026 is the year legal AI stopped being a conversation about "if" and became a conversation about "how to do it right." Join Harvey's Australian Country Manager, Ashleigh Whittaker and Mallesons'  Chief Innovation Officer, Michelle Mahoney for a candid fireside on what's actually working — from perspectives on the new shape that legal work is taking, to the hard-won lessons of rolling out AI, to the emerging capabilities that will define the next twelve months. Honest reflections from inside one of legal's most ambitious innovation programs, and from the company building the tools powering it.

About Michelle

Michelle, in her role as Mallesons Chief Innovation Officer, is at the forefront of leading innovation, digital offerings and transformation. Her responsibilities include designing legal services, developing digital strategies, leading Gen AI, increasing digital literacy, and shaping the future of work. She is a member of the firm’s leadership team and is globally recognised by the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) as a 2025 Influential Woman in LegalTech. Michelle's strategic thinking on combining technology and legal expertise to enhance performance, impact, and outcomes is a key aspect of her career. She has spearheaded many first-to-market initiatives, received numerous awards, and holds several advisory board appointments, including those on the MIT Data Board and several global legal technology companies.