Garfield AI CTO Speaks at Clio UK & Europe AI Summit on AI Implementation

Garfield AI CTO Shares Insights on Real-World AI Implementation at Major Legal Technology Summit

London, 11 September 2025 – Daniel Long, CTO and co-founder of Garfield AI, participated in a panel discussion titled "Real Talk: How EMEA Law Firms Are Actually Using AI" at Clio's UK & Europe AI Summit. The virtual summit brought together legal professionals from across the region to explore practical AI integration in law firms.

A Platform for Practical AI Insights

Clio's UK & Europe AI Summit focused on moving beyond AI hype to examine real-world implementation, outcomes, and lessons learned by law firms of different sizes. The free virtual event provided legal professionals with actionable insights into AI adoption, available for CPD credit in the UK and Ireland.

The summit's emphasis on practical application and honest discussion about both successes and challenges made it an ideal platform for Daniel Long to share Garfield AI's unique experience as the world's first AI-native, regulator-approved law firm.

Distinguished Panel Discussion

Daniel joined an impressive panel of legal technology leaders for the "Real Talk" session:

• Robert Hanna - Host of Legally Speaking Podcast, moderating the discussion
• Daniel Long - Co-Founder and CTO, Garfield AI
• Chris Bridges - Partner, Tacit Legal LLP
• Catherine Bamford - CEO, bam legal

The panel brought together diverse perspectives from firms of different sizes and specializations, all implementing AI in practical ways to improve legal service delivery.

Key Discussion Topics

The panel addressed critical questions facing law firms considering or implementing AI technology:

Real Outcomes from AI Implementation

Moving beyond theoretical benefits to discuss actual results achieved by law firms using AI in daily practice. Daniel shared Garfield's experience as an AI-native firm, where AI isn't an add-on but fundamental to the platform's architecture and service delivery.

Lessons Learned Across Firm Sizes

Different firms face different challenges when adopting AI. The panel explored how implementation approaches vary based on firm size, practice areas, and client needs.

Change Management for Technology Rollouts

Successfully implementing AI requires more than just technical capability—it demands effective change management. The panel discussed strategies for bringing teams along on the AI journey and overcoming resistance to new technologies.

Honest Insights from Real Implementation

The "Real Talk" framing encouraged panelists to share not just successes but also challenges, setbacks, and unexpected complications encountered during AI adoption.

Garfield's Unique Perspective

Daniel's participation brought a distinctive viewpoint to the panel. Unlike traditional law firms adding AI tools to existing practices, Garfield was built from the ground up as an AI-native platform. This architecture-first approach offers valuable insights for firms considering deep AI integration.

Technical Architecture Matters

Daniel's background as a quantum physicist turned AI entrepreneur informs Garfield's technical approach. The platform combines deterministic expert systems with probabilistic Large Language Models, creating a hybrid architecture that balances reliability with flexibility.

Regulatory Compliance from Day One

Garfield's experience navigating SRA approval demonstrates that AI implementation and regulatory compliance aren't opposing goals. The platform achieved regulatory authorization by building safety, accountability, and transparency into its core architecture.

Solving Real Problems

Garfield addresses a concrete problem—UK SMEs owed up to £20 billion in unpaid debts—by making legal services accessible and affordable. The panel discussion highlighted how AI works best when deployed to solve specific, well-defined challenges rather than as a general-purpose solution.

Broader Summit Context

Daniel's panel was part of a comprehensive programme exploring AI in legal practice:

Getting Started with Legal AI

Sessions for firms beginning their AI journey, covering foundational concepts and initial implementation steps.

Prompting AI for Better Legal Work

Practical guidance on effectively using AI tools, including prompt engineering techniques for legal applications.

AI, Ethics & Security

Critical discussions about maintaining ethical standards and data security when deploying AI in legal practice.

Live Demonstrations

The summit included live demos of Clio Duo and other AI tools, showing practical applications in action.

The Growing Recognition of Garfield's Innovation

Daniel's invitation to speak at the Clio AI Summit reflects growing recognition of Garfield's pioneering role in AI legal services. The platform has received significant attention from legal technology community, judiciary, and government:

• Featured at the Royal Society's "AI and the Law" conference alongside senior judiciary
• Included in the Ministry of Justice's AI Action Plan as a case study in responsible AI adoption
• Referenced by Lord Justice Birss as "absolutely at the core of what we can do for access to justice"
• Featured in Bloomberg Law as a leading example of regulated AI legal innovation
• Presented to the Justice Select Committee who described it as "ground-breaking"

Practical Insights for the Legal Community

The Clio AI Summit's focus on practical implementation reflects a maturing conversation about AI in law. Rather than debating whether AI will transform legal practice—a question largely settled—the legal community is now focused on how to implement AI effectively, responsibly, and profitably.

Daniel's contribution to this conversation, grounded in Garfield's experience building and operating an AI-native law firm, provides valuable guidance for legal professionals navigating their own AI journeys.

Democratizing AI for All Law Firms

A key theme in Garfield's mission is democratizing access to sophisticated AI tools. While large city firms can afford to build proprietary AI systems, smaller high street practices typically cannot. Platforms like Garfield aim to level the playing field, making powerful AI capabilities accessible to firms of all sizes.

This democratization theme resonates with Clio's own mission of providing accessible legal technology to the broader legal community, making the AI Summit an ideal venue for discussing Garfield's approach.

Building the Future of Legal Practice

The panel discussion at the Clio AI Summit addressed fundamental questions about legal practice's future. As AI becomes more sophisticated and widely adopted, law firms face both opportunities and imperatives:

• Efficiency gains that can improve profitability and client service
• Competitive pressure as early AI adopters gain advantages
• Client expectations for faster, more affordable legal services
• Professional development as lawyers develop new skills for AI-augmented practice

Garfield's experience demonstrates that with thoughtful implementation, regulatory engagement, and focus on solving real problems, AI can transform legal service delivery while maintaining professional standards.

Access the Summit Content

The Clio UK & Europe AI Summit is available on-demand for legal professionals interested in learning about practical AI implementation. The summit qualifies for CPD credit in the UK and Ireland.

Learn more and access summit content at clio.com/uk/events/ai-summit-2025.

About Garfield AI Garfield AI is the world's first AI-native law firm, approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The platform helps businesses recover small debts through a hybrid AI architecture combining expert systems with large language models, maintaining the highest standards of legal practice. Founded by senior City litigation lawyer Philip Young and quantum physicist Daniel Long, Garfield is transforming access to justice for UK SMEs through responsible technological innovation. Visit garfield.law to learn more.

Media Contact: Philip Young, CEO - philip@garfield.law Daniel Long, CTO - dan@garfield.law