Newcastle Law Society wants to support and encourage a collaborative response to the adoption of technological advancements by creating a regional strategy to identify how we can build its competitive advantage in legal technology and innovation.  

We are looking for our members and member firms to contribute and help shape the future of the region’s digital tech capability which combined with their legal expertise and talent pool, could prove to be an excellent opportunity for the region

Legal Tech Steering Group

Newcastle Law Society would like to create a Legal Tech Steering Group to bring together legal expertise (members/decision makers who have a vested interest in making technological advancements within their firm), technology experts (IT Directors/Managers in our member firms together with regional/national digital tech companies) and educational experts (the Universities in our region) to create a centre for excellence for legal technology and innovation in the North East.

The key stakeholders that we would like to join the Steering Group are from:-

• Newcastle Law Society members
• Public sector (Local Government, North East Combined Authorities and North East Chamber of Commerce)
• Legal services providers (from large, Mid and SME law firms – Managing Partners, Partners, IT Directors and Managers, in-house legal professionals) and legal sector specialists.
• Tech firms (local and national firms specialising in products and services relating to technology and innovation, AI, cyber security, consulting and support).
• Universities (education experts who specialize in law, technology and innovation)
• Investors

In 2025 in conjunction with our third Legal Tech Seminar we will be aiming to have formed our Steering Group with the view to organizing an initial round table meeting to discuss:-

• Legal expertise – to encourage networking and collaboration to align this regional initiative by raising awareness of legal tech with events, workshops and training to support companies with their digital transformation. Explore best practices, knowledge share and review business models.
• Digital capability – investing in technology, automation, processes and cybersecurity should become a priority. Build links between the legal and tech sectors.
• People & Talent – new roles and skill are emerging, training staff is key. Law firms are followers not leaders in tech adoption, we need to break down internal barriers to innovation and risk adversity. Universities have a key role to play in the future of how lawyers train to be able to adapt in a changing profession.

If you would like to be a part of the bigger picture to help us build a reputation as a centre of legal tech and innovation then please get in touch with Sanchia Coatsworth, Director of Operations sanchia@newcastlelawsociety.co.uk