The Legal Innovation & Tech Fest in November 2025 took place at The Maslow in Sandton, the heart of South Africa’s business hub and industry.
Over two days, the venue came alive with legal professionals, in-house counsel, and innovators eager to shape the future of law. Among the attendees were representatives from leading firms and major enterprises. The conversations were practical, insightful, and firmly focused on what works in the broader legal arena.
A standout moment was our own Gavin Meinking’s presentation on the second day. He explored the adoption of AI and technology to streamline litigation processes while preserving sound judgment. Gavin reflected on the pre-AI era, where preparing discovery affidavits took hours, lever arch files towered on desks, and billing was done manually. Now, AI identifies potential defences and risks in minutes, transcribes consultations, summarises judgments and lengthy documents, produces first drafts, and explains complex legal concepts in plain language. Legal efficiency has soared.
This prompted a personal reflection. Recently, an associate asked me to clarify the Plascon-Evans rule. With AI’s help, I received a breakdown titled “Plascon-Evans for Dummies” (No offence taken). That clear, practical explanation enabled me to share knowledge effectively and helped my associate grasp the principle quickly. Yet, as Gavin emphasised, such tools must be used with caution. “We must remember to infuse technology with good old-fashioned lawyering”. We cannot lose the human element as AI is only as smart as the lawyers using it.
A recurring theme throughout the festival was that AI remains a tool requiring skilled oversight. It serves as a superpower for the capable lawyer, amplifying our ability to deliver excellence. One memorable line captured the risk of over-reliance: “If you’re only as smart as AI, you are building your own redundancy.”
Another widely shared insight, originally from Richard Susskind, reminded us that AI is at its least impressive stage. As pioneers, we have a duty to grow smarter alongside the technology, not diminish in its shadow.
At C & A Friedlander Attorneys Inc., we embrace AI to streamline routine tasks and free capacity for high-value work: understanding clients, crafting strategy, and delivering advice that is clear and actionable. Ours is a human-centred profession. AI cannot replicate empathy, judgment, or the trusted relationship at the core of legal practice. We are committed to blending innovation with empathy.
When adopting AI or any technology, we must always ask: “Do I have the client in mind?”
The Fest left no doubt: South Africa’s legal community is not merely adapting to change. We are leading it, responsibly and with purpose. As we move into 2026, C & A Friedlander Attorneys Inc. remains dedicated to harnessing technology in service of excellence, always anchored by human insight and remaining client centred.
This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE).