The closing keynote session of LTT 2026 proved really insightful and was moderated brilliantly by Shanin Lott (Global Law Firm Practice Leader, Russell Reynolds).  The other panelists included LeeAnn Black (COO Latham & Watkins), Simon Ridpath (Managing Partner, Charles Russell Speechlys), Christian Lang (Founder & CEO of Lega- now owned by Barbri) and Christy Bentz (Chief Client Value & Innovation Officer, Norton Rose Fulbright)

Shanin highlighted Russell Reynolds recent research around transformation in law firms and technology change is the #1 concern with leadership.  Shanin then put the question to Simon, what role do managing partners have that they just cant delegate?

Simon Ridpath- You have to set the right framework by being encouraging and challenging at the same time.  You also have to remove the unknown if possible.  Technology has to be on every agenda and we need great interpreters so that lawyers can be married to the technology.

LeeAnn Black- The tone has to come from the top and it has to be articulated well.  It also helps if it is pitched as inspirational and giving transparency is also critical.

Christy Bentz- AI transformation cant be an AI innovation team initiative but instead musty come from the top.  Transformation must be backed with investment.

Christian Lang- law firms have to be given a safe space to try things.  Too many firms and the people in them are frozen into not acting.  Humility shown by law firms leaders and client collaboration through conversations shows a vulnerability that resonates.

Where can law firms transform instead of optimise?

LeeAnn Black- Law firms need a workflow and playbook on how to deliver service in the best way.  Risk adversion is one of the biggest barriers.

Christy Bentz-  Focus on adoption and efficiency as it is the only way to measure.  We should also look at impact and what the value actually is to clients.  The compensation model is still a barrier and we need to make transformation part of it.  We need to own the economic cost now to benefit 5 years down the line.

Simon Ridpath- We need inquisitive minds.  We need to really be on top of what our clients want and what they value and work in collaboration.  Without being reckless, don't seek perfection and fail fast.  People should be rewarded for thinking differently.

Christian Lang- It needs to be consensus driven with more senior strategic leaders.  Law firms need to keep bringing in great talent and insulate them from the traditional decision making hierarchy.  Christian praised a few of the models seen:

1/ AI under the hood

2/ Only partners no associates

3/ Structural incentives to adopt AI

What is the AI based lawyer of the future?

Simon Ridpath- We own lots of good quality data and this is our power not knowledge.  Lawyers do need to have the empathetic skills in place and technology should really be used to enhance the people we already have.  There is still a market for old and bold but we need people that embrace change and make quick decisions without just having a view.

Christian Lang- Use simulations.  Experiences of the future not existing or current systems. Lawyers need to be entrepreneurial empowering path breakers.

The panelists then left us with their one key takeaway:

Christy Bentz- Scale through participation and be as transparent as you can.

Simon Ridpath- Don't think of technology as the problem

LeeAnn Black- Create a safe environment for succeeding faster

Christian Lang- Finding and activating trailblazers