Innovate Legal Summit 2026
Connect. Discover. Transform.
Wednesday 2 December 2026 | W Sydney, Darling Harbour | Free to attend
Whether you’re rolling out AI in 2027 or still working out where to start, you’ll leave with a plan for the year ahead.
This form couldn't be loaded. Ad blockers and strict privacy settings can prevent it — disable your blocker for this site, then reload.
Why Attend
A front-row seat to what's next.
Legal AI is already changing how firms compete, how lawyers work, and what clients expect. At Clio’s Innovate Legal Summit in Sydney this December, you’ll learn how those closest to that shift are thinking about what comes next. Across two stages, hear from the people building the technology, the firms putting it to work, and the leaders shaping its role across the legal profession.
Jack Newton
Opening keynote
CEO and Founder of Clio Jack Newton is the CEO and Founder of Clio, the global leader in legal AI. Over nearly two decades, he has led the company from an early disruptor to the category-defining platform powering the modern law firm. Under Jack’s leadership, Clio has grown into the global leader in legal AI and pioneered the Intelligent Legal Work Platform. Clio currently supports over 400,000 legal professionals across 130 countries. His vision is defined by a dual commitment to both the provider and the consumer of legal services. By advocating for a “client-centered” approach, he helps law firms build more sustainable businesses while simultaneously working to bridge the justice gap, making legal support more accessible and equitable through innovative technology.
Sarah O’Carroll
MC
Sarah O’Carroll is a business and media executive known for her insightful leadership, entrepreneurial impact, and global influence in shaping the business narrative through some of the world’s most recognised media brands. As Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Australia since 2022, Sarah led the brand’s entry into the Australian market. Under her leadership, Forbes Australia has rapidly scaled across print, digital, and experiential platforms, launching signature events such as Forbes 30 Under 30, the Business Summit, Women’s Summit, and Investors Summit, while also establishing a national Forbes Women membership community to elevate female leadership across sectors. Her innovative content strategies and inclusive economic storytelling led to the launch of initiatives such as the Women’s Money Movement, The Broke Millennials, The New Investors series, and the Australian debut of the All Markets Summit.
John Eales
Locknote Speaker
John Eales AM is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest rugby players and a highly respected leader both on and off the field. Debuting for the Wallabies in 1991, he captained the side from 1996 to 2001, leading Australia to a World Cup victory in 1999, multiple Bledisloe Cups, Tri-Nations titles, and a British & Irish Lions series win. Renowned for his leadership, fair play, and genial nature, John has been inducted into the Sports Australia Hall of Fame, the World Rugby Hall of Fame, and recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to rugby and the community. Off the field, John is a successful businessman, founder of the Mettle Group, Chair of Trajan Group Holdings, and serves on multiple boards including Flight Centre Travel Group, Fuji Film DMS, Loreto Kirribilli, and Magellan Financial Group. He is also the author of Learning from Legends – Sport and Learning from Legends – Business. John is an in-demand keynote speaker, sharing invaluable insights on leadership, teamwork, and organisational culture.
-
Matthew Hudson
Panelist
National Practice Manager, Oakbridge Lawyers
Matthew prides himself on providing high level, tailored
-
Mollie Tregillis
Panelist
Founder, The Fulfillment Lab & Mollusc After more than a decade inside big law and senior leadership,
- The Fulfillment Lab: a vibrant coaching and connection membership for corporate women ready to do work differently
- Mollusc: high-impact facilitation and strategy for progressive organisations that want real culture change
- Speaking & Creative: keynote speaking, MC work, and (on special occasions) creative collaborations that align with her values
At the centre of it all? A belief that corporate culture needs fixing. It’s too fast. Too impersonal. Too unsustainable. Mollie is here to create a better way, for all of us.
-
Travis Schultz
Panelist
Founder and Managing Partner, Travis Schultz & Partners Travis Schultz is the Founder and Managing Partner of
-
Caralee Fontenele
-
Luke Campbell
Panelist
Co-Founder & CEO, VXT Luke Campbell is the Co-founder and CEO of VXT, the legal AI that
-
Nazia Ali
Panelist
Principal Partner, LexConnect Nazia Ali is a solicitor, legal entrepreneur, and Co-Founder
-
Belinda Balmer
Panelist
Head of People & Culture, Moores Belinda is Head of People & Culture at Moores, where she
-
Leona Bennett
Panelist
Managing Partner & Head of Family Law, Southern Waters Legal
Leona Bennett is Managing
What you will learn
Practical takeaways to help you navigate the next era of legal AI
Hear where legal AI is heading and what’s working on the ground right now.
See how context-aware AI and practice management come together in one system, whatever your firm’s size.
Understand what it all means for your firm, and learn how to turn it into a practical plan for 2027.
The Agenda
Connect. Discover. Transform.
Innovate Legal Summit is a half day event on Wednesday 2 December. There is no charge to attend. Doors open at noon, and sessions run from 12:30 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
We’ll then take the party outside for the Sundowner event, which finishes at 7.30 p.m.
12:00 pm
Arrival, Registration & Networking
Doors open
12:30 pm
MC
Sarah O’Carroll, Editor-in-Chief Forbes Australia
Welcome & Opening Remarks
12:35 pm
Opening Keynote
Jack Newton, Founder & CEO of Clio takes the stage
Legal work is changing. Not just in how it’s done, but in who gets access to the tools that move it forward. Jack Newton will share his perspective on where the legal industry is headed, what’s driving the next wave of change, and how firms of every size can build momentum without burning out.
Drawing on industry data, customer insight, and Clio’s latest platform developments, Jack will explore how technology is helping solo, mid-sized, and large firms reduce friction, systematise operations, and spend more time on the work that actually matters. It’s a clear-eyed look at the state of legal work today and what it takes to stay competitive, resilient, and human as the profession continues to evolve.
1:20 pm
Afternoon Tea & Networking
1:50 pm
Panel – Parallel Session
From Strategy to Success: Real Stories of Modern Law Firm Transformation
Every transformation strategy looks great on paper, until it meets a live firm. In this panel, law firm leaders who’ve been through it get candid about what actually worked, what they’d do differently, and the moments that nearly derailed them.
1:50 pm
Panel – Parallel Session
The In-House Perspective: Redefining the Law Firm Client Proposition
The client proposition for law firms is being rewritten and GCs are the ones writing it. In this session, general counsel and legal ops leaders speak directly to the profession about how their own transformation is changing what they expect and value from outside counsel. For law firms, this is a direct line to the client’s perspective including what’s driving change on the in-house side, and what it means for how firms need to position themselves to stay relevant.
2:35 pm
Panel – Parallel Session
Building Law Firms People Want to Work For
As AI strips legal work back to its purest form, people are what’s left to differentiate one firm from the next. In this panel, law firm leaders share how they’re making sure their firm is the one the best talent wants to work for, and how they’re rethinking culture, flexibility, and career paths to get there.
2:35 pm
Panel – Parallel Session
AI in Practice: How Global Law Firms Are Deploying AI
Practical insights from partners deploying AI in different practice areas with real implementation stories, lessons learned, and what’s working on the ground.
3:15 pm
Afternoon Tea & Networking
3:45 pm
Product Presentation
Building an Irreplaceable Law Firm Platform
4:25 pm
Locknote
John Eales, Former Wallabies Captain, Author and Business Leader
Renowned for his leadership and integrity on the field, John has built an equally impressive career off of it as founder of the Mettle Group and Chair of Trajan Group Holdings.
In his locknote session, John will draw on his experience of captaining Australia’s Wallabies during the team’s most successful eras to explore what it takes to build high-performing teams, lead with composure under pressure, and create a culture that lasts, with lessons as relevant to the legal profession as they are to elite sport.
5:00 pm
Drinks, canapés & networking
Join us for the Sundowner
When the programme wraps, it moves outside: cocktails, caviar, and canapés on the terrace as the sun drops behind the skyline and the harbour lights come up. Join us from 5 p.m – 7.30 p.m. No agenda, just good company and a proper send-off to the year.
An iconic Sydney setting for a forward-looking conversation
VENUE & CONTACT INFO
Join us at the iconic W Sydney in Darling Harbour from 12 p.m. AEST. End the day on the terrace at the Sundowner, mingling with speakers and firms from across the industry as the sun goes down over the harbour from 5 p.m. – 7.30 p.m.
- View location details
- Have a question? Email us at clio.outreach.apac@clio.com
Thank you to our sponsors
VXT
VXT is an AI Notetaker and phone system for lawyers. Automatically save AI Notes from every conversation to Clio.
Legl
Helping Australian law firms turn compliance obligations into a competitive advantage.
Alterspective
Smooth, seamless Clio Operate implementation that makes legal case management software fit the way you work.
Join Us
At the Innovate Legal Summit 2026
Free to attend. Be part of the conversation shaping APAC’s legal future.
*Registration information may be shared with our sponsors.