The British Legal Technology Forum 2025: A Catalyst for Innovation in UK Law

Joe DiCarlo – March 18, 2025  – 6 mins read

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the British Legal Technology Forum (BLTF) 2025 in London, representing Diktamen in what has become one of the premier events for legal technology in the UK. The atmosphere was electric, with over 1,400 industry leaders gathered under one roof, each eager to discuss how tech is reshaping the legal landscape. It was a vibrant day filled with enlightening discussions, cutting-edge innovations, and the unmistakable buzz of transformation that’s sweeping the legal sector. I left with one clear thought: the future of law is not just bright—it’s already here. 

Midsize Firms Leading the Innovation Charge 

If there was one takeaway that truly resonated with me, it was how midsize law firms have become the unexpected champions of innovation. These firms are showing a fearless willingness to break away from tradition and embrace technology at a pace that’s often faster than their larger counterparts. It’s no longer just about staying competitive; it’s about redefining what it means to deliver legal services in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. 

During the Future of Mid-Market Law session, hosted by our partner Actionstep, I was struck by how nimble and forward-thinking these midsize firms have become. They’re no longer just reacting to change—they’re creating it. From modernising workflows to implementing groundbreaking tech solutions, these firms are blending tradition with innovation in ways that are both practical and transformative. This is a trend that I believe will have a lasting impact on the legal industry in the UK. 

Dictation Workflows: Old Meets New in Legal Tech 

Amid all the conversations about AI, automation, and emerging technologies, I found it fascinating that dictation workflows are still as relevant as ever. Legal professionals, even in an age dominated by advanced tools, continue to rely on dictation for its efficiency, personalisation, and flexibility. At BLTF 2025, I had numerous conversations about the evolution of dictation workflows—how they’re moving to the cloud and integrating with modern tech systems to create more seamless, efficient processes. 

What’s clear to me is that dictation is far from a relic of the past. Instead, it’s evolving to meet the demands of a modern legal practice. The simplicity and effectiveness of dictation make it a core part of legal operations, even as new technologies emerge. In short, it’s not going anywhere—it’s just getting smarter. 

AI: The Reality Behind the Hype 

As expected, Artificial Intelligence dominated much of the conversation at BLTF 2025, but the discussions went deeper than just the usual AI buzz. I sat in on some incredibly insightful sessions, including one with Catherine Bamford and Jill Schornack, where they explored the concept of agentic AI—an advanced form of AI capable of acting autonomously in decision-making processes. But the conversation didn’t stop at the excitement around the tech itself. There was a strong emphasis on setting clear ethical guardrails and ensuring transparency and accountability as AI becomes more embedded in legal processes. 

Another standout moment for me was Shilpa Bhandarkar’s talk on cutting through the noise around AI. She drove home a critical point: there’s a massive difference between adopting an AI tool and actually integrating it in a way that transforms how work is done. Her focus on the practical challenges of implementation, including biases in AI systems and the importance of process mapping, added a much-needed dose of reality to the conversation. 

Interoperability: The Next Big Step for Legal Tech 

One theme that came up repeatedly during the forum was the urgent need for interoperability in legal tech systems. As law firms adopt an increasingly diverse range of technologies, the ability for these tools to communicate with one another seamlessly is becoming paramount. I heard from many legal professionals who are on the hunt for solutions that bridge the gaps between their systems—tools that create a unified, integrated ecosystem rather than a fragmented collection of software. 

It’s clear that interoperability is going to be one of the key drivers of efficiency in legal operations over the coming years. Firms that can streamline their processes by ensuring all their tools work together will have a significant advantage when it comes to delivering faster, more consistent results for their clients. 

ALSPs: From ‘Alternative’ to Essential 

Another discussion that left a lasting impression on me was around the rise of Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs). The term “alternative” almost feels outdated at this point, given how essential ALSPs have become to the legal ecosystem. During a panel featuring Chris Fowler from Rio Tinto and Lyn Harris from Herbert Smith Freehills, it was clear that ALSPs are no longer just an option—they’re a core component of legal service delivery. 

Today, more than half of corporate law departments are turning to ALSPs for flexible resources, specialised expertise, and tech-powered solutions like eDiscovery. The focus has shifted from viewing ALSPs as a cost-saving measure to recognising the real value they bring to complex legal operations. ALSPs are playing a pivotal role in helping firms navigate today’s legal challenges, and they’re only going to become more integral as the landscape continues to evolve. 

Professor Brian Cox: Science Fiction Becomes Legal Reality 

The day closed with a keynote from Professor Brian Cox, and it was nothing short of inspirational. He reminded us how rapidly the world is changing—how ideas that once belonged in the realm of science fiction are now becoming part of our everyday reality. His message was clear: the legal industry, like all sectors, is on the brink of profound transformation, and we need to embrace it with open minds. 

His talk made me think about how technology is pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible in law. We’re heading toward a future where integrated, tech-driven legal ecosystems are the norm rather than the exception. It’s a thrilling prospect, and one that I’m eager to be a part of.   

Looking Forward: BLTF 2026 and Beyond 

BLTF 2025 was an eye-opener in many ways. It offered a snapshot of the innovative forces driving change in the legal world and provided a glimpse into what the future might hold. From AI to interoperability to the evolution of traditional workflows, the event showcased the full spectrum of legal technology’s impact. 

As we look ahead to BLTF 2026, set for March 10th next year, I’m excited to see how these trends will continue to unfold.