In Wednesday’s session, Alexander Irschenberger, the founder of Legal Tekno Lecturer at King’s College London, where he helps law firms and in-house legal teams implement practical AI solutions. A former lawyer with over a decade of experience building AI products, he is passionate about helping legal professionals understand AI beyond the hype and make informed, future-focused decisions.
Session Overview
Irschenberger explained that successful AI adoption is about more than choosing the right tool. He introduced the key layers of AI, from language models and infrastructure to integrations and user interfaces, and argued that firms should focus on owning the infrastructure around AI rather than becoming dependent on a single platform. This gives organisations greater flexibility as technology evolves.
The discussion also explored how geopolitics is shaping AI. While the US currently leads in frontier AI models and China is advancing rapidly with efficient open-source alternatives, competition between the two is driving innovation. However, firms should recognise that political decisions and export controls could affect future access to AI technologies, making flexibility increasingly important.
Finally, Irschenberger encouraged firms to build internal AI capability instead of relying solely on vendor promises. Strong workflows, reusable knowledge and adaptable infrastructure will make it easier to change models, reduce risk and remain competitive as the AI landscape continues to evolve.
Key Takeaways
- AI strategy is now both a technology and a geopolitical issue.
- Focus on owning your AI infrastructure, not just the interface.
- Competition between the US and China is accelerating AI innovation.
- Avoid becoming dependent on a single AI provider or model.
- Open-source AI is creating new opportunities for flexibility and control.
- Invest in internal AI expertise and adaptable workflows to future-proof your firm.
