Kartik Seth Speaks at the 39th LAWASIA Conference in Seoul on AI and the Legal Profession

Emerging Lawyers in the Age of AI and Geopolitical Shifts

Advocate Kartik Seth recently spoke at the 39th LAWASIA Conference held in Seoul, addressing the theme “Emerging Lawyers in the Age of AI and Geopolitical Shifts.” His remarks centred on a core message for the legal profession: while artificial intelligence can meaningfully assist legal work, it cannot and should not replace independent thinking, professional judgement, or the responsibility lawyers owe to their clients. At a time when AI tools are rapidly reshaping legal practice worldwide, Kartik Seth’s address offered a grounded perspective on preserving the human judgement at the core of legal advocacy.

The Value of Conversations Beyond the Podium

Beyond his formal remarks, Kartik Seth reflected on what makes conferences like LAWASIA especially valuable — the exchanges that happen outside the structured sessions. Meeting colleagues from different jurisdictions, building cross-border friendships, and engaging in informal conversations, he noted, often leave a more lasting impression than any formal presentation. He emphasised that stepping outside daily professional routines allows lawyers to listen, share, and view their profession through a wider lens — a perspective he considers essential for meaningful professional growth.

A Mentor’s Influence

Kartik Seth credited his mentor, Shyam Divan, with introducing him to LAWASIA in the first place, acknowledging his continued involvement with the conference as something that has grown into a genuine, ongoing engagement. He attributed the calibre of the conference — its people, discussions, and standard of engagement — as the reason he keeps returning year after year.

Returning with Renewed Perspective

Kartik Seth’s participation at LAWASIA 2026 reflects his continued engagement with global legal discourse, particularly on how technology is reshaping the profession, alongside his commitment to cross-border professional exchange. He returned from the trip, in his own words, with fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and a clearer head — reinforcing the value he places on stepping back from routine to gain broader professional and personal perspective.