Brabners is an independent law firm anchored in the North, with offices in Lancashire, Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. It serves all of England and Wales, acting as a strategic partner to both UK-based and international clients.

Nikki Whittle, a partner in the corporate team, was invited to participate in the Digital Acceleration in Professional Services programme at a time when Brabners was recruiting its first Head of AI.

A self-confessed ‘digital dinosaur,’ Nikki found her experience in the programme to be a wake-up call, especially through the Future Digital Worlds sessions.

“Getting a clear picture of how technology is impacting our sector was an eye-opening moment,” she said. “I was surprised to learn that professional services firms are lagging behind other sectors. But I was pleased to discover that Brabners is ahead of the curve compared to other attendees on the course.”

The programme also made Nikki realise that these technological challenges are not just for the next generation-they are present in the here and now.

“The world is changing so quickly that an AI-enabled law firm is no longer optional; it’s essential. If we don’t adapt, we’ll be left behind.”

The shift towards AI is also shaping Brabners’ approach to talent recruitment. Nikki had the opportunity to meet Sadie Whittam, Senior Lecturer and Director of Clinical Legal Education at the Law School. Her presentation on technology in legal practice reinforced Nikki's concerns about the next generation of legal professionals.

“When I started in law, it was about drafting documents and understanding strategy. Today, AI can handle much of this basic work. Trainees now face a different challenge-how to add value in a tech-driven world. This shift has also changed my personal view on the future of law. Traditionally, law was seen as a prestigious career path, but younger generations are now more interested in being influencers or entrepreneurs. With the legal profession adapting to better serve clients, it goes without saying that these changes will also help it to stay relevant for those candidates who are familiar with AI and looking for firms at the cutting edge.”

Brabners is certainly moving with the times. Its newly appointed Head of AI is tasked with delivering an AI strategy that encompasses both technological transformation and education within the firm. Nikki believes the latter should take priority.

“The concern that AI will take our jobs is widespread,” she explained. “It’s crucial to communicate that AI isn’t replacing human roles; it’s enhancing our ability to focus on value-driven tasks. This is an ongoing conversation with both our colleagues and clients. We are demonstrating that AI helps our people work smarter not harder and enables them to deliver an enhanced client experience – it’s about augmentation, not replacement.”

The ‘Leading the Way & Creating Impact with Stakeholders’ session inspired Nikki to explore new ways of communicating the ongoing changes. One idea was to create digital champions across the business.

“One key takeaway for me was the need to bring in people from all levels of the firm-such as paralegals-to champion new technology and ideas. Change needs to be inclusive, not just led by senior leadership. In fact, the best champions for change might be those closest to the technology and the work being done.”

When it comes to implementing AI, Brabners, like many firms tackling digital transformation, is focused on building the right foundations through robust data and systems architecture. Nikki’s own AI project, developed as part of DAPS, focuses on marketing, specifically using data analysis to improve how the firm targets clients. She sees it as a vital part of the firm’s education process.

“Start small and focus on easy wins,” she said. “It’s important to show how things work, not just talk about them. Small changes can make a big impact, and gradual improvement is key. People need to see the benefits for themselves. It’s all about proving that change can happen, not forcing big shifts all at once.”

While these changes are taking place within the business, Nikki’s own transformation has been the most significant.

“I used to be the dinosaur who asked, ‘Why change something that isn’t broken?’ and was skeptical of new buzzwords like AI,” she reflects. “One thing I’ve learned from this programme is that adopting new technologies isn’t just about the tech itself. It’s about understanding the problems we’re trying to solve and ensuring the solutions meet the real needs of the firm and its clients.”

“Finally, this course has made me more open to the future of AI in law. I now see it as a means of scalable growth. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, but it’s a necessary step to remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing world. This programme has empowered me to question the strategies and changes being made within our firm. Having an informed voice at the table is invaluable.”

Nikki is also exploring how the key learnings from DAPS can be extended beyond her and Brabners, through its True North network of over 400 businesses and social enterprises.

“Bringing the sector together like this has been invaluable. I’ve had the chance to meet and collaborate with a fantastic group of people, and I look forward to staying connected. There’s tremendous potential for collaboration.”

DAPS is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is delivered by Lancaster University as part of the Lancashire Universities' Innovation Programme.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and developing people and skills. For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund Prospectus.

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