What is the Value of a Human Lawyer?

With all this talk about technology and the death of lawyers it is easy to be somewhat pessimistic about the fate of human lawyers.  As a confirmed humanist and pragmatic optimist, Anthony sees a rich and rewarding future for human lawyers but only if we make some important changes.  This Speaker Series talk will be an engaging and challenging exploration of the implications of the technology revolution and its impact on the legal industry and practice. Anthony will trace the continuous evolution of work from the industrial revolution to the present and the ways in which human work (including legal work) has evolved.  He will then explore the likely implications of advances in technology such as AI and machine learning for the work done by human lawyers.  This talk will conclude with an exploration of the ways that human lawyers will continue to add value and the capabilities and mindsets young lawyers should be fostering to thrive in the new normal.

Anthony Kearns is the Managing Consultant, Performance and Leadership and Global Head of Business Development and Client Experience, Corporate at Herbert Smith Freehills.  He works with the GCs, CLOOs and in-house legal teams of the firm’s strategic clients to develop strategy, implement adaptive change and build leadership capability.  He also works with market-facing teams and offices within Herbert Smith Freehills to help deliver the firm strategy and enhance performance.  Anthony started his career as a lawyer in a large law firm but has spent the last 15 years working in professional services across disciplines and industries as a risk manager, educator, senior executive and consultant.  He has a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology, is an experienced facilitator, executive coach and educator who has also worked with leading law schools including Harvard to develop innovative programs on judgment and decision making, influence and interpersonal trust.