Matheson – The Future of Law

Kyle Gribben - Head of Digital Services Group

As our society and the business community continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic here in County Kildare, as well as at a national and global level, we can now take the opportunity to reflect on the changes which many of us either willingly or unwillingly embraced over the past two years, and to consider what these might mean for business and our society.

The pandemic and its broader global societal issues have led to many uncertainties, compounded by newer issues such as Brexit, international conflicts, market fluctuations, interest rate increases and a surge in cyber security risks. Despite these challenges, we are still living in a time of change and one that offers the opportunity for creativity and proactivity across all areas of society. focused companies and financial institutions doing business in and from Ireland, and as Ireland’s largest law firm, we work with evolving businesses across all industry sectors, observing the many changes that impact not only the way we work, but also how our society works.

The legal sector is one that was already undergoing change before the pandemic and like many, this change was focused on emerging technologies, their adoption and

utilisation. Traditionally, the legal sector would not have been considered to be one of the most innovative, but the opportunities for our clients and the way we work are clear. We have for many years used technology for discovery and litigation and have adopted new technologies and methodologies into our client services.

Looking to the future there is an undoubted opportunity in AI and technologies that will enhance how we work. This integration and digital transformation approach are also aspects of our training, and earlier this year we launched a series of Virtual Experience Programmes. Working with National University of Ireland Galway, University of Limerick and Maynooth University, and with Forage as our technology partner, we provide students with integrated modules and coursework, offering them practical legal work experience. We also use AI software solutions to bring greater efficiency to the large-scale contract review process, particularly where timing is everything, such as in the days and weeks following a cyber-attack or in due diligence exercises.

While the benefits of new and emerging technologies are clear, there are undoubted challenges within the globalised society in which we now live. Cyber security and associated issues are one such area, and one where we work extensively. Affecting all sectors, organisations are more vulnerable than ever before to threats from home and abroad.

Such threats require ongoing vigilance, careful planning and investment of time and resources to safeguard against an incident that could prove costly for a business. We are actively working to navigate these known and emerging threats, supporting clients in the event of a breach or issue, and guiding their response to such incidents.

Another area of continued and growing importance is that of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Our ESG Advisory Group works exclusively in this domain and provides clients with an integrated approach. A topic of significant breadth - how businesses operate, with whom and their broader impact or contribution to society has never been more in focus. Its relevance cannot be underestimated across all sectors and industries, ensuring that Irish businesses need to look at how they sustainably operate today and in the future. With new reporting and legislative requirements that will come into effect, we understand the levance of ESG and while we are working with clients today, we are also preparing for the future. For example, we recently became the first Irish law firm to launch an Environmental, Social and Governance Virtual Experience Programme to upskill aspiring solicitors and give them experience as a commercial lawyer in an ESG practice.

For our own business and international network, the past few years have been significant in guiding how we are developing to meet the needs of our people and clients. At Matheson, we had already introduced an Agile work programme, whereby team members could work remotely. However, the pandemic ushered in a new perspective and approach to where and how we work. We quickly adjusted to the needs of our clients, and as restrictions lifted, we again worked to ensure we met the needs of our people and those we serve by introducing a hybrid work model across our Irish offices and broader international network.

We also work hard to continue our commitment to diversity and inclusion, for our people and the benefit of our clients. Even while impacted by the pandemic and working remotely, inclusivity was a core focus at all levels for the firm. In 2020 we were the first Irish organisation, across all sectors and industries, to receive the ‘Investors in Diversity’ Gold Standard distinction and earlier this year we became the first organisation in Ireland to achieve re-accreditation of this prestigious standard, a commitment of which we are proud.

The last two years have been universally challenging, however for many businesses in Kildare it has afforded an opportunity for change and growth. At Matheson, we are focused on driving a culture of innovation, one that encompasses our people and clients, and it is this comprehensive approach that will underpin our future development and that of our clients.

Kyle Gribben

Head of Digital Services Group Matheson LLP

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) questions are at the top of business agendas worldwide. Matheson’s ESG Advisory Group has the tools and legal expertise to help you navigate the implications for your business.