Ethics, AI, and the obligations of Australian Legal practitioners
A look into our most recent CPD Seminar on artificial intelligence, legal ethics, and the responsibilities facing Australian lawyers as the technology evolves. Presented by Nunzio Lucarelli KC, one of Australia's senior commercial barristers, with decades of experience across the superior courts.
AI and the ethical duties of Australian lawyers
On 15th September 2026, Forbes Kirby hosted a CPD (continuing professional development) seminar on one of the most pressing questions in law right now:
How is artificial intelligence reshaping the ethical and professional obligations of Australian lawyers?
The session was presented by Nunzio Lucarelli KC, a senior commercial barrister with more than 35 years at the bar, and offered attendees one CPD point in Ethics and Professional Responsibility, the ongoing training lawyers are required to complete each year.
A fast-moving area
AI is quickly becoming part of everyday legal work, from research and drafting, to document review. It offers very real gains in efficiency, but also raises serious questions about how practitioners continue to meet their long-standing duties to both their clients and the courts. This is a fast-moving area, and the guidance around it is still developing.
What the seminar covered
This seminar explored the themes at the centre of that conversation: protecting client confidentiality and legal professional privilege, maintaining accountability for the work a lawyer puts their name to, and understanding how the courts and professional regulators are responding to the technology.
One idea ties all of these together. Whatever tools assist with the work, responsibility for its accuracy and integrity always rests with the lawyer.
This is an area that keeps changing, and it's worth paying attention to. As the law and AI continue to evolve, Forbes Kirby remains committed to using technology responsibly and in a way that protects our clients' interests.
Talk to us
Forbes Kirby advises across litigation, commercial, estates, and General Counsel. If you'd like to discuss how your business navigates the risks and obligations that come with AI, please reach out to our team through our contact page.
You can also head over to our company LinkedIn, to stay up to date with everything happening at the firm.
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