Senior figures at an island law firm were among more than 120 managing partners, chief executives and top-level business services leaders at a summit in London.

Managing director of DQ Advocates Mark Dougherty and chief operating officer Sinead O’Connor attended the one-day event which focused on the future of law firms in a tech-driven world.

The Lawyer’s business leadership summit 2018 heard from tech specialists and speakers in over 30 sessions which ranged from quick-fire TED-style talks to focused streams, roundtables, panel discussions and interviews. Those who gathered were able to tailor their individual schedule to meet their own requirements.

Mark said: ‘This was an extremely beneficial event to attend with a strong focus on strategy and leadership challenges. It not only provided the opportunity to benchmark with our peers but also allowed us to further reinforce our successful firm-client relationships.

‘It is invaluable to network, share experiences and best practice with other senior law firm leaders and be inspired by peers inside and outside of the legal industry.’

DQ was the only island law firm represented at the summit whose speakers included Simon Adcock, head of professional services UK corporate banking at HSBC, Professor Heidi Gardner from Harvard University and digital revolution lawyer Catherine Hammon.

Mr Dougherty and Ms O’Connor attended various discussions including ‘Resourcing for the future and getting the best for your workforce’ and ‘Sharing your strategy and growing business in today’s digital landscape’ which explored the abilities advocates need to thrive in a fast-changing business.

They also attended the client-firm stage which focused on the dos and don’ts of growing existing client relationships and saw first-hand what new tech is on the market at a tech exhibition area and Product Demo Zone.

Ms O’Connor said: ‘There is no doubt there are a number of big challenges facing law firms today.

‘The legal market is changing, is increasingly tech driven and the need to build a future strategy is crucial with both clients’ needs and clients’ behaviours changing all the time.

‘Their drive to reduce costs and self-interest are all factors which need to be taken into account.

‘The clients are setting the agenda and our focus is firmly on client success from the first time you meet right through to the final outcome.

‘Effective communication is key and the know-how of relating to a client and the ability of building a relationship is still paramount.’