Productivity Tools - AI, from curiosity to competence

Join us for a practical seminar on how AI tools can enhance productivity in legal practice.

We'll explore real-world applications of AI that can help barristers streamline their workflows and work more efficiently. 

Chaired by Michael Heron KC, the seminar will feature insights from barristers Josh McBride and Jane Barrow and LawCyborg’s Managing Director Andrew Wierda and Specialist AI Consultant Oscar McGuire. Together, they'll share tools and strategies that can help barristers get more done in less time.

PANELISTS

Michael Heron KC (Chair) specialises in investigations, inquiries and reviews.  He is a founder/investor in legal tech businesses and involved in governance of regulatory and dispute resolution bodies.  He is one of New Zealand’s leading KCs and is a trusted legal advisor to New Zealand businesses, government entities, and public bodies.

Josh McBride is a barrister based in Auckland with a practice in commercial litigation and arbitration. He acts in disputes involving construction, trusts, and complex commercial matters.

Lately, he’s been spending far too much time experimenting with AI tools and trying to work out whether they’ll make him faster, smarter, or just better formatted.

Jane Barrow is a barrister based in Auckland.  A ‘Jane of all trades’, her practice spans civil, criminal and regulatory matters, with a particular interest in cryptocurrency litigation.   

Andrew Wierda is the founder and CEO of Law Cyborg. He coordinates the development of the platform, and is deeply involved in how LC's AI system is architected. Coming from a background in both software and law at EY Law, he now runs product development end-to-end and leads Law Cyborg's specialist AI team. Andrew works with AI daily and closely monitors advancements on all levels of AI system development.

Oscar McGuire is a Specialist AI Consultant at Law Cyborg. Holding an LLB from the University of Auckland and driven by a sharp focus on the intersection of law and technology, Oscar has spoken with thousands of legal professionals across New Zealand about the role of AI in practice. He regularly presents to firms nationwide, delivering demos, webinars, and keynotes that explore how AI is transforming compliance, research, and advisory workflows.