What makes a lawyer valuable when clients can access more legal information, tools and AI than ever before?

As technology changes what lawyers do, it also raises important questions about the value proposition and ethical value of the profession. This session explores the role lawyers play beyond providing legal knowledge, examining professional judgement, independence, trust, accountability and the human responsibility that sits behind legal advice.

The session explores:

• The changing value of legal expertise as clients gain greater access to legal information and AI tools.
• The role of professional judgement and the ethical responsibility that comes with exercising it.
• Trust, independence and accountability in the lawyer-client relationship.
• What happens when clients can increasingly research, question and generate legal content themselves.
• How lawyers demonstrate value through ethical decision-making, strategic thinking and the quality of the client experience.

At the end of this live webinar, you will earn 1 CPD point.

Cathryn Urquhart

Cathryn Urquhart studied Law at the University of Western Australia and was admitted in WA in 1988. She has had a diverse career working for national law firms mainly in Insurance and Construction litigation, as well as time spent as a Claims Solicitor at Law Mutual, the professional indemnity insurance section of the Law Society of WA. She has lectured and tutored at universities in WA and was the Associate to the former Chief Justice Robert French when he was at the Federal Court.

She spent over 10 years as the Facilitator of the Legal Practice Management Course at the College of Law in WA from 2015 when she helped develop the course through to 2026.

She continues to present on modules such as Risk, Leadership and Business of Law.  As well as various CPD topics for the College’s program.

Cathryn has her own business and works for a range of law firms and other businesses as a Professional Skills Trainer. The focus of her CPD training is in Practice Management, Professional Skills, Ethics and Professional Conduct and Risk Management.

This session is designed for practising lawyers, in-house counsel, senior associates, partners and legal practice leaders considering how AI is changing the value of legal expertise and the expectations of clients. It will be particularly relevant to lawyers who advise clients using AI tools, navigate increasingly informed client relationships, or are responsible for professional standards, supervision and ethical decision-making. It is also suited to practitioners exploring how to demonstrate their value beyond legal knowledge through sound judgement, independence, strategic advice, accountability and a high-quality client experience.

This webinar is produced in NSW and features a WA-based educator.  

The time listed for this course is Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT). Please take note of any time differences if you are registering from QLD, WA, SA, NT or from outside Australia.

The course complies with the mandatory requirements of ethics and professional responsibility (1 point).  

If you intend to claim CPD units for this educational activity, please note that CPD activities are not accredited by the Law Society of NSW or any other equivalent local authority, with the exception of Western Australia. If you hold a practising certificate in a state or territory other than Western Australia and this educational activity extends your knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant to your practice needs or professional development, then you should claim one (1) "unit” for each hour of attendance, refreshment breaks not included. The annual requirement is ten (10) CPD units each year from 1 April to 31 March. Some practitioners, such as accredited specialists are required to complete more than ten (10) units each CPD year.

Practitioners holding WA practising certificates are eligible to earn CPD points for this course. For instructions to earn CPD points, please click here.

Please be aware that video/audio recording may occur at professional development events organised by the College of Law for use on our website, marketing materials and publications. By attending and participating in a College of Law Continuing Professional Development course, you consent to the College of Law photographing or recording and using your image and likeness.