Rebecca Keating recently spoke at a Solomonic Insights webinar in partnership with Alvarez & Marsel examining the evolving landscape of technology and IT disputes, particularly in the context of increasing digital complexity and the proliferation of AI across industries. The session explored the nature of these disputes, ranging from contractual and IP issues to public sector procurement and consumer rights. The conversation also addressed the role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), the growing challenge of resolving them due to their technical and legal complexity and the need for legal frameworks to adapt to rapidly advancing technologies.
The panel brings together a diverse group of leading practitioners in IT and technology. Phil Beckett and Siobhan Forster of Alvarez & Marsal are both specialists in IT forensics and disputes. Lauren Hamilton, a partner at Addleshaw Goddard, focuses on litigation in the tech sector. Rebecca Keating, a barrister at 4 Pump Court, brings expertise in technology, AI and quantum computing law. Domonique Rai-Varming, VP of Trust and Legal at Trustpilot, shares perspectives on legal and regulatory issues from within a leading platform business. Grant McCaig, Head of Legal for Shared Services at Phoenix Group, offers the in-house legal view from a major financial services firm.
Solomonic data shows there has been a significant rise in tech-related disputes since 2020 and the panel provides a comprehensive overview of how these disputes are evolving. Some of the key takeaways:
- Relationship breakdowns – Contractual issues remain the top cause of tech disputes, often due to unclear expectations or evolving project scopes.
- Increasing difficulty – Tech disputes are factually and legally complex, making them harder to settle and more likely to go to trial.
- AI Friend & Foe – AI is both a source of new disputes and a tool to reduce litigation costs – especially in document review and disclosure.
- Translating complexity – Experts play a crucial role in simplifying technical issues, especially in AI and legacy system cases.
- Not just “tech” disputes – Many disputes now have a tech element, even if they’re not about tech, making digital literacy essential in litigation.
- Crystal ball gazing – Quantum computing and advanced AI are on the horizon, promising even more complex legal challenges in the near future.
Watch the webinar here.
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