Victorian Women Lawyers (VWL), alongside Allens, hosted the AI and Women in Law event on 15 October 2026 at Allens, Level 37, 101 Collins Street, Melbourne.
The event featured moderators Dr Apurva Kirti Sharma, Founder and Principal of GPS Lawyers & Consultants and VWL Engagement Officer, and Annaleise Vulin, President of Victorian Women Lawyers.
Panellists were Lisa Kozaris, Partner and Chief Digital and Legal Solutions Officer at Allens, and Heather Paterson, VP Asia Pacific and Japan at Legora. The panel also featured Dr Jeannie Marie Paterson, Professor of Law and Director at CAIDE, University of Melbourne; Sarah Lyneham, Lawyer at Ethics and Practitioner Support, Law Institute of Victoria; and Lucy Fraser, Head of Policy, Programs and Education at the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner.
GPS Lawyers’ Founder and Principal, Dr Apurva Kirti Sharma, with the support of Victorian Women Lawyers (VWL), played a key role in organising an event that brought together leaders in law and technology to explore the profound impact of AI on the legal profession.
The session examined how AI can enhance legal practice, streamline law firm operations, and improve efficiency while ensuring that human judgment, professional integrity, and ethical standards remain at the forefront.
Discussions explored the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption in the legal sector, including practical strategies for integrating emerging technologies responsibly without compromising the fundamental values and professional obligations that underpin the legal profession.
The event provided a valuable platform for exchanging insights and exploring how the legal profession can embrace technological innovation while preserving the essential human element of legal practice.
Key Takeaways
AI is no longer a conversation about the future. It has already begun transforming the legal industry by changing how lawyers do their work, how firms function, and how professional responsibility is perceived. Legal professionals must respond proactively to these changes by incorporating AI technologies into their practices to improve efficiency and client service. They must also ensure these technologies comply with ethical standards to uphold the quality and integrity expected in legal work, balancing innovation with traditional responsibilities.
The firm extends its gratitude for their support to Allens, Legora, the University of Melbourne, the Law Institute of Victoria, the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, and Victorian Women Lawyers.