While FutureLaw 2025 focused on AI, automation, and digital transformation, the strongest message was about the human side of legal practice. The conference emphasized that while technology will shape the legal industry, human insight will continue to define it.
Valérie M. Saintot delivered a compelling keynote on human agency and imagination, she underscored the crucial role of imagination in legal practice, warning that its absence could render lawyers obsolete. Law extends beyond mere rules; it demands critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability in an era of rapid technological change.
Valérie M. Saintot, LegalTech Educator
She emphasized the importance of cognitive awareness in AI governance, reminding attendees that while we analyze machine behavior, we must also recognize our own biases when interacting with AI systems. Valérie M. Saintot reminded attendees: “Your body is your best buddy in the GenAI era.” As legal professionals navigate technological advancements, staying grounded, maintaining well-being, and fostering real human connections remain paramount.
Brian Liu, Founder of LegalZoom
Brian Liu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that trust and communication often outweigh the sophistication of a tool. He further highlighted the importance of a human-centric approach—both for law firms serving clients and vendors approaching law firms. Clients pay FAR MORE attention to your communication style and attitude than your actual work product. Clear communication, responsiveness, and a sincere desire to help matter immensely.
Cheryl Ashman, Business Intelligence at White & Case LP
Cheryl Ashman’s panel on personal skills in digital transformation reinforced that clients ultimately choose professionals who listen, engage, and connect on a human level. Her insights on change management struck a powerful chord: no technology can fix a broken process. The success of any transformation starts with culture, not tools. If the foundation is flawed, layering technology on top won’t solve the deeper issues—it will only magnify them. As Cheryl reminded us, culture eats strategy for breakfast. For real progress, organizations must first embrace the mindset shift, ensuring their people, workflows, and values align before even considering digital solutions.
Heikki Ilvessalo, Vasile Tiple, Mia Ihamuotila and Karol Andrea Valencia Jaén
Legal transformation also requires diversity, and FutureLaw 2025 emphasized the growing necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration. The panel on diverse legal teams, featuring Heikki Ilvessalo, Vasile Tiple, Mia Ihamuotila, and Karol Andrea Valencia Jaén, showcased how professionals working across industries—combining expertise in business, tax, accounting, and technology—are shaping the future of legal services.
Personal career shifts provided compelling examples of this transformation. Many legal professionals are moving beyond traditional law firms, opting instead to join consulting networks and cross-functional teams where legal practice is deeply integrated with other professional services. This shift reflects an increasing demand for broad expertise, where adaptability is no longer just a competitive advantage but a necessity.
The speakers underscored that a lawyer’s role today extends beyond legal interpretation—it requires strategic thinking, problem-solving, and an ability to collaborate with specialists in adjacent industries. As technology reshapes workflows and client expectations evolve, legal professionals who embrace this multidisciplinary mindset will be best positioned for success. “Diversity in legal teams isn’t just progressive—it’s essential for survival and success.” – Valentin Feklistov
Dan Shefet, the Paris Lawyer Who Gives Google Nightmares
Dan Shefet underscored the critical role of conviction in advocacy, reminding attendees that beyond legal arguments and technical expertise, an orator’s presence—the ability to persuade, captivate, and command attention—is a timeless asset. He emphasized that successful advocacy is not just about the logic of a case but also the energy, confidence, and unwavering belief a lawyer projects. The courtroom is a place where words carry weight beyond their literal meaning—where tone, body language, and rhetorical skill shape outcomes just as much as the law itself.
Shefet’s message resonated with the audience, particularly in an era where digital transformation is influencing how legal arguments are presented. While technology facilitates research and efficiency, the human element—the conviction behind an argument—remains irreplaceable. As he succinctly put it, “The ultimate test of the value of our legal advice is in the courtroom.” No matter how advanced legal tools become, the advocate’s ability to persuade and connect will continue to define success in legal practice.
Pēteris Zilgalvis, Judge at the General Court of the European Union
Transparency remains critical, as Pēteris Zilgalvis pointed out—experimentation with AI in judicial processes must be accompanied by stringent oversight to maintain fairness and explainability. Testimony shows that concerns regarding transparency and explainability are present even at the highest levels of European jurisdictions, which are actively exploring and experimenting with AI. While innovation progresses, the fundamental need for judicial accountability remains unchanged. As Zilgalvis aptly stated, “Judges must be able to explain their rulings. The machine can’t do that—yet.” This highlights the ongoing challenge of integrating AI into legal systems while ensuring that human reasoning, accountability, and ethical considerations remain at the forefront.
Fayola-Maria Jack, Mariana Hagström, Alex Hamilton and Naomi Gaston
Alex Hamilton advocates for a hybrid approach to contract automation, combining structured automation with strategic human oversight to maintain accuracy and adaptability. He warns against blind reliance on algorithms, emphasizing that contracts must reflect business intent, not just efficiency. While automation streamlines processes, expert intervention ensures agreements align with commercial realities.
Beyond career evolution, the conference underscored the fundamental principles that must remain intact. Privacy, fairness, and independence must be prioritized, even as AI and automation reshape the legal landscape. Not everything that is technologically possible should be pursued—ethical considerations must come first.
FutureLaw 2025 reinforced a fundamental truth: legal innovation begins with human insight, ethical responsibility, and meaningful engagement.
