Pricing Legal Services in the Age of Automation and AI
| Thursday, September 10, 2026 |
| 4:35 PM - 5:30 PM |
| Wala Mirr Theatre |
Overview
AI and automation are transforming professional services, but much of the debate about pricing has focused narrowly on cost reduction and efficiency. These benefits matter, but they are not the strategic heart of AI for professional services.
This session examines the growing challenge of pricing in an era where automation creates downward pressure on fees. Used well, AI is both a cost reducer and a value amplifier. The strategic question is not how to use AI to reduce price, but how to use it to increase value or limit loss. Focus on the AND, not the OR.
The session applies the MIT CISR business models framework to professional services and introduces a newly developed AI Value Advantage Framework, including its signature Value Amplifier quadrant where AI reduces cost while significantly increasing client value. Attendees leave with practical guidance on mapping services to business models, modernising pricing through subscription, hybrid and outcome-based approaches, being transparent about AI use, and strengthening governance and client communication.
Speaker
Ms Libby Maynard
Principal and Owner
Libby Maynard
Pricing legal services in an age of automation and AI
Biography
Libby Maynard is an independent adviser and consultant, who helps professional service firms win business and deliver value to their clients in a way that is sustainably profitable. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in professional services, Libby has worked as a lawyer and led business development, marketing, pricing, and legal project management functions at two major Australian law firms. She has also consulted to dozens of firms across Australia and New Zealand in law, engineering, urban planning, accounting, IP and consulting.
One client described pricing as “a dark, difficult, and frustrating art, but at the core of the business of law”—a challenge Libby embraces. She supports firms to make good pricing decisions, enhance analytics, explore pricing models, quantify and manage scope creep, communicate value, engage stakeholders and build confidence in pricing conversations. Libby is also known for helping firms win competitive bids, design and implement major marketing, business development, sales, key account management and client feedback initiatives.
Her approach is grounded in strategy, analysis and practical application. Libby is an Accredited Legal Pricing Professional (ALPP) and Accredited Legal Project Manager (ALPM) through the True Value Partnering Institute. Libby has an MBA and is a Fulbright Scholar.
