AI & Innovation for Legal Leaders: Morning Briefing at Story Club, Paddington
Step into the future of legal practice at Story Club, Paddington Central. This exclusive in-person morning event brings together senior engineering experts and legal professionals to explore how AI, automation, and data-driven strategies are reshaping the legal sector. From Microsoft’s roadmap for legal firms to practical insights on becoming a frontier firm, this session offers actionable strategies and peer-led discussions. Featuring keynote speaker Chris Huntingford, plus a fireside chat with leading law firms, this is your opportunity to gain a competitive edge and network with industry innovators.
Agenda:
08:30 – 09:00: Breakfast & Networking
09:00 – 09:20: Intro from Microsoft and key updates of the iManage connector and roadmap
09:20 – 10:05: Frontier Firm Session – Chris Huntingford, Director of AI at ANS
10:05 – 10:20: Break
10:20 – 11:10: Fireside Chat – Insights from leading law firms and experts including Simon Macenroe AI Business Solutions Lead at Microsoft, Cristabel Chong from Simmons and Simmons, and Nicola Brooks, CEO, Founder at Vantu.
11:10 – 11:30: ANS Approach & Q&A
What you’ll gain from this event:
Beyond the insights shared during the session, there’s an opportunity to learn more about our approach and take part in a dedicated Q&A at the end. We can also continue the conversation outside of the event, which could lead to one of our Solution Navigator sessions funded by Microsoft or an Innovation Workshop depending on where you are on your journey – helping you explore tailored strategies to transform your legal practice.
Meet the speakers
Chris Huntingford
Director of AI at ANS
Chris Huntingford,is the Director of AI at ANS and brings a wealth of expertise as an architect in Power Platform and Dynamics 365. Chris is dedicated to shaping ecosystems that empower organisations to modernise and optimise organisations technological workflows. His commitment lies in fostering innovation and addressing business challenges securely within these dynamic ecosystems.
Simon Macenroe
AI Business Solutions Lead at Microsoft
Leading Microsoft UK & Ireland’s AI Business Solutions for Corporate Accounts, helping customers transform front office, back office, and productivity through AI-enabled apps like Dynamics 365, M365, Copilot, Power Platform, and Copilot Studio. I lead cross-functional teams across sales, technical, and partner disciplines, driving new business in mid-market private and public sectors, in close collaboration with Microsoft’s ecosystem of CSPs, SIs, and advisories.
Nicola Brooks
CEO, Founder at Vantu
I started Vantu to reset how transformation happens in law and professional services. As a former Big 4 partner and law-firm operator, I’ve led major change programmes and global transformations. My approach is practical and outcome-driven—blending strategy with execution to deliver measurable results. No jargon, no fluff, just impact.
Ashley Hack
AI Workforce Solution Specialist at Microsoft
With nearly six years at Microsoft, Ashley has had the privilege of helping organisations across the UK transform how they work - starting with modernising their IT through Surface and Microsoft 365, and now guiding them through the next wave of innovation with AI and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Cristabel Chong
IT Business Partner at Simmons and Simmons
Cristabel Chong is an IT Business Partner at Simmons & Simmons LLP. She specialises in legal technology, business change and product management, and recently led the firm’s Microsoft 365 Copilot journey; from a 400 user pilot to an enterprise rollout to 2,500 users—driving adoption across legal practice groups and business services.
Dan Robbins
Senior Enterprise Account Executive at ANS
Dan is a Senior Enterprise Account Executive at ANS Group for the Legal & Accountancy sectors. 8 years experience within Legal, working to deliver Azure, Data and Security projects. After working in sales for over 15 years within the technology sector, the last 8 years have been focused on helping Pro Services & Financial Services, Legal and High Tech (ISV) businesses transform into the Microsoft Cloud.