More data. More automation. More at stake. As AI and automated decision-making gain ground and more information is gathered, used and stored, administrative decision-makers and solicitors face pressing questions about how public decisions are made and how to challenge them. This focused seminar tackles the three major issues which currently cause concern for decision-makers. Examine the opportunities and legal risks of AI-assisted decisions, including transparency, procedural fairness and lawfulness. Put evidence gathering and information use under the spotlight including compliance with privacy obligations. Whether advising decision-makers or acting for those affected, gain practical insights to advise with greater confidence.

Presenters

Linda Clark, Barrister, Thorndon Chambers
Linda is the kind of advocate you want on your side. She is a strategic thinker, a skilful communicator and an expert litigator specialising in public law, civil litigation and defamation. Formerly a litigation and public law partner at Dentons Kensington Swan, Linda has appeared in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, District Court, Human Rights Review Tribunal, the Canterbury Earthquakes Insurance Tribunal and Coroners Court. She is also a trained mediator, and regularly represents clients in mediations. In addition to litigation and general advisory work, Linda is an experienced investigator and reviewer, working on inquiries for both public sector and private sector clients. She also assists clients who find themselves the subject of an inquiry or review. Before Linda launched her legal career she was an award winning political journalist and broadcaster.

Nick Chapman, Partner, Simpson Grierson
Nick is a senior litigation and dispute resolution lawyer with a broad range of experience in dealing with complex, high-stakes disputes across different sectors. He has a particular focus on commercial disputes that involve public issues - whether that is commercial entities that are interacting with public decision-makers or public entities that are involved in a commercial dispute. Nick has acted for various organisations across a broad range of disputes and industries, including commercial contracts, energy and the Emissions Trading Scheme, property and leasing issues, judicial reviews, infrastructure, insurance disputes, insolvency, class actions, banking and financial services, telecommunications and technology, and construction disputes. He has appeared before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He also has considerable experience in arbitration, and in alternative dispute resolution forums such as mediation. Nick is known for his ability to simplify complex issues, and for his ability to provide clear advice. His clients say: “Nick is a consummate professional who goes above and beyond to service client’s needs. Importantly he is responsive and above all, on your ‘team’. I can’t speak highly enough of Nick and the team that support him.” Prior to joining Simpson Grierson, Nick worked for Herbert Smith Freehills and Allen & Overy in London. Nick is also an Adjunct Lecturer and Teaching Fellow at Victoria University’s Faculty of Law. He currently teaches the University’s compulsory course on the core skills of legal research, legal writing, legal analysis, and advocacy.

Ben Keith, Barrister, Woodward Street Chambers
Ben Keith is a barrister at Woodward Street Chambers, Wellington, principally practising in administrative, human rights and public international law. He has previously worked as a specialist Crown Counsel with the New Zealand Crown Law Office and was also the first Deputy Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security. Ben has conducted proceedings at all levels of the New Zealand court system, including matters before the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, Privy Council and the Waitangi Tribunal, as well as in a number of other jurisdictions and before United Nations fora. Significant public matters include precedent decisions in administrative and constitutional law; human rights; national security; public and private international law; and regulatory/investigatory powers, as well as numerous published legal opinions and other work. His voluntary professional activities include regular substantial pro bono matters and past membership of New Zealand Law Society law reform committees and other bodies.


Tim Smith, Barrister, Thorndon Chambers
Tim has a broad commercial and public law practice. Tim has previously been a partner at Bell Gully and, before that, Luke Cunningham Clere – prior to which he was a Crown Counsel at Crown Law. He has also been a barrister at a leading commercial chambers in London. Tim has worked extensively with commercial and public sector clients both as an advisor and advocate as required.