Description
The SCL Tech Disputes Masterclass returns for 2026 with another insightful and interactive afternoon designed for legal professionals, in-house counsel, and tech consultants navigating the evolving world of IT and technology-related disputes.
Hosted by the fantastic FTI Consulting, this half-day masterclass will offer a blend of expert-led sessions, practical takeaways, and collaborative discussions exploring key issues at the intersection of law and technology. With a mix of presentations and breakout formats, attendees can expect to explore fresh perspectives, exchange ideas, and consider how emerging developments are reshaping dispute resolution in the tech space
Whether you’re advising clients or handling disputes in-house, this is a valuable opportunity to sharpen your thinking and connect with peers facing similar challenges.
Confirmed speakers:
Ben Pilling KC, Barrister, 4 Pump Court
Eric Shi, Barrister at 4 Pump Court
Veronika Pavlovskaya, Counsel, London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
Jenny Gibbs, Associate, Womble Bond Dickinson
Lee Gluyas, Partner, CMS
Stephanie Woods, Commercial Disputes Lawyer, Senior Associate, CMS
Laura Wright, Barrister, 4 Pump Court
Rebecca Keating, Barrister, 4 Pump Court
Andrew Woolsey, Associate at Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP
Agenda:
Session 1 – Technology Case Update
Speaker:
Ben Pilling KC, Barrister, 4 Pump Court
Eric Shi, Barrister at 4 Pump Court
Session 2 – Interactive roundtables
Attendees will hear from our speakers on the following key topics. Our interactive ‘speed-dating/ style format will allow you to engage directly with our speakers on all four topics during the afternoon.
1. How to streamline tech disputes under the LCIA rules
The LCIA Rules provide various tools to streamline the resolution of technology disputes, and in this breakout, we will explore two of them: expedited formation of the tribunal and the emergency arbitrator procedure. We will discuss applicable standards, recent statistics, and practical tips for effective use of these tools in tech-related cases.
Speaker:
Veronika Pavlovskaya, Counsel, London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
2. What happens when AI fails?
We will consider the different claims that could arise from the use of AI, including potential contractual claims, negligence claims and misrepresentation claims, the potential counterparties to such a claim and what difficulties parties may face in bringing such a claim. We will also briefly consider what steps businesses may take to protect themselves from the risk of such AI claims.
Speakers:
Lee Gluyas, Partner, CMS
Stephanie Woods, Commercial Disputes Lawyer, Senior Associate, CMS
Session 3. Navigating cyber and operational resilience incidents
Cyber is no longer purely the realm of data privacy and protection lawyers. Increasingly, disputes lawyers and contentious teams are becoming involved in cyber incident matters, with tech disputes lawyers guiding clients through the breach response process to hopefully avoid claims arising further down the line. We will discuss a range of critical issues relating to cyber incidents and resilience, including:
· How are organisations integrating cyber resilience into their broader operational resilience strategy to ensure continuity during both digital and physical disruptions?
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- Who are the key internal and external stakeholders in the event of a cyber incident?
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- What are the key issues to consider in the event of a cyber incident, including if personal data is breached?
Speakers:
Andrew Woolsey, Associate at Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP
Jenny Gibbs, Associate, Womble Bond Dickinson
4. Understanding the impact of Quantum
Laura Wright and Rebecca Keating will introduce the technical foundations of quantum computing and its immediate implications for the legal sector. This session is designed to help disputes lawyers understand the shifting risk landscape and the evolving regulatory environment.This session will review the current legal landscape that governs quantum technologies. The panel will examine how these advancements impact substantive law—specifically data security and encryption risks, intellectual property, and the interpretation of technology contracts—while identifying the likely origins of quantum-related litigation.
Speakers:
Laura Wright, Barrister, 4 Pump Court
Rebecca Keating, Barrister, 4 Pump Court
The plan is for all attendees to take part in all breakout sessions throughout the afternoon.
Interactive elements:
Attendees will also have the opportunity to take part in a range of engaging, interactive activities before, during, and after the event, including:
Generative AI for Disputes Hands On Labs
An interactive experience showcasing the latest techniques being used in disputes – ranging from document review, summarisation, fact and event extraction and more. Through a series of guided exercises, see the potential of AI, as well as the risks and pitfalls and how to mitigate against these.
Horizon scanning – AI for disclosure
Get a sneak peak into the practicalities of how upcoming AI buzzwords might affect your work through a showcase of what might be around the corner. This is subject to change given the incredible pace of change in AI, but would currently be exploring how autonomous agents, fine tuned LLMs and GraphRAG might become powerful tools to expedite different parts of the disclosure process.
- IT Lawyers (private practice and in-house)
- IT Law academics and students
- Tech sector professionals & managers needing insight into IT disputes
- Anyone interested in IT dispute resolution
This event is hosted and sponsored by FTI Consulting and organised by the SCL IT Disputes Group.
Fees: £200 + VAT (£240) for SCL members. £400 + VAT (£480) for non-members
Booking: To secure your place, please book online using the link above or send an email to hello@scl.org with details of who is attending this event and also the address details for the invoice.
Membership: Sign up for SCL membership here to receive the discounted booking fee. Review your current membership details here.
Booking T&C’s: Please refer to SCL’s full event terms and conditions here.
Venue address:
FTI Consulting
200 Aldersgate
London
EC1A 4HD
United Kingdom
Registration and attendee arrival:
Registration for this event begins at 1:00 pm. We kindly ask that you arrive on time to ensure a prompt start.
Dietary Requirements:
Please be aware that there will be a light lunch served upon arrival at 1:00 pm. Kindly inform us of any dietary requirements by Thursday 12 March.
Recording:
Please note that due to the practical nature of this event, it will not be recorded.
Joining details:
You will receive joining details within 24 hours of the event.
Non-members wishing to join the Society are entitled to membership of the Society valid for 12 months from the date of payment including full access to the content of the SCL website www.scl.org, access to all online content of “Computers & Law”plus notification of future SCL events. The cost of an annual SCL membership is £190. If you have any queries about SCL membership please contact the SCL office on Tel: 07948 517049 or Email: hello@scl.org.
Free membership for trainee lawyers and UK students:
SCL provides free membership for trainee lawyers until qualification and for UK students in full-time education with a valid ac.uk email address. Student members are eligible to attend SCL events at concessionary rates where a fee is applicable. Trainee members are entitled to attend SCL events at the standard members’ rate (the concessionary attendance rate does not apply to trainees). Trainees and UK students in full-time education can apply to join SCL for free by emailing hello@scl.org
SCL – The voice of tech law
Society for Computers and Law A company limited by guarantee 1133537 Registered Charity No. 266331 VAT Registration No. 115 4840 85 Registered in England and Wales Registered office: Unit 4.5, Paintworks, Arnos Vale, Bristol, BS4
