The legal sector across the continent is standing at a turning point. With the rise of artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the growing need for flexible, forward-thinking legal services, the way we practise law and run legal businesses is changing. The Legal Innovation Summit, taking place on 28 August 2025 in Johannesburg, is all about opening up these important conversations.
This full-day hybrid event will bring together legal professionals from across South Africa and the rest of the continent. It will explore how AI and new technology are impacting the legal profession , not only in law firms and the courts, but also in companies, in-house legal teams and the broader business world.
One of the highlights of the day will be a keynote address by Professor Richard Susskind, a world-renowned expert on the future of legal services who will be joining us virtually for the day. He has spent decades advising legal institutions in the UK and around the world, helping the profession prepare for change .
But this summit is about more than just one big name.
At its heart, the Legal Innovation Summit is a space for African legal minds to come together and think about how to practise law better. It is about the everyday business of law, from how firms charge for their services to how corporate legal departments operate, how we use legal tech, and how the legal profession can remain relevant in a fast-changing world.
Naomi Thompson, a legal innovation expert and Managing Director of CatalyNT, says: “The legal world is changing and African lawyers must be part of that change. Whether you are managing a firm, working in a company, building a legal start-up or just curious about the future of our profession, this summit is for you. It is a space to learn, to share ideas and to make sure that Africa’s voice is heard.”
The programme includes keynote talks, panel discussions, fireside chats and interactive sessions with both local and international speakers. Attendees will leave with practical insights and tools to help them move forward in a fast-moving legal and business environment.
Members of the media, including radio, print and television, are invited to cover the summit. Interview opportunities with keynote speakers, panellists and organisers are available upon request. Legal professionals who follow legal and business news across traditional media platforms will find this summit timely, relevant and necessary as the industry prepares for digital and structural shifts.
Event details
Date: 28 August 2025
Venue: Johannesburg and online
Website: www.legalinnovationsummit.co.za
Media and registration queries
Naomi Thompson | MD, CatalyNT | naomi@catalynt.co.za
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