Last Tuesday, the PwC Legal Community’s PwC Legal Academy launched with a session on Legal Tech & AI. Our colleague Julia van Leeuwen delivered the substantive programme alongside Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm and Professor André Janssen.
During an interactive three-hour session, Julia discussed two subjects now essential to every legal organisation with more than fifty legal professionals: the dos and don’ts of generative AI in legal practice and implementing the AI literacy obligation within organisations.
Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm outlined how differently the European Union is responding now compared with the emergence of the internet. Whereas much was then left to the market, the EU has adopted a risk-based approach from the outset with the AI Act. This includes clear obligations for both developers and users of AI systems and an active role for regulators.
Professor André Janssen looked ahead to the new Product Liability Directive, expected to apply from 9 December 2026. Julia was particularly struck by the classification of AI agents as “products”. The Directive also introduces disclosure mechanisms akin to pre-trial discovery in Europe. This is a substantial change with significant implications for AI developers and suppliers and for legal advisers.
Julia also noted the forward-looking approach of PwC’s legal professionals. They already use their own AI tools and show a strong appetite for further learning. The many questions, practical examples and lively discussions made the launch an energetic day of fresh insights.
Would your legal department, firm or team like to explore practical uses of generative AI, implementation of the AI literacy obligation or the impact of the AI Act and related legislation? Contact Julia van Leeuwen for tailored AI & Legal training.
