Partner, AI LeadRichard MasseyAuckland
Bell Gully has appointed corporate and commercial partner Richard Massey as AI Lead, a new role that will help guide the firm’s use of artificial intelligence and support clients navigating the implementation of AI.
Managing Partner Andrew Petersen said the appointment reflects the firm’s commitment to using AI strategically and responsibly, and to leveraging new technology to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients.
“AI is increasingly becoming part of how businesses and law firms operate. The creation of a designated AI Lead within Bell Gully will help us continue to use AI in a way that enhances our services to clients and maintains the high quality, integrity and reliability of the advice we provide,” he said.
Petersen said Bell Gully adopted a firm-wide approach to AI governance when it became the first large New Zealand law firm to roll out specialist legal AI platform Harvey to its lawyers. This includes mandatory training, policies and guidelines that equip teams to use AI tools safely and effectively.
“Continued strong leadership at partner level will enable us to keep pace with developments, ensure our guardrails adapt to the rapid change we are seeing and support further application of the firm’s AI knowledge to client work. Richard’s appointment will build on the collaboration already underway across the firm and will provide a central focus for our exciting journey in harnessing the potential of this cutting-edge technology.” he said.
As a partner in Bell Gully’s Consumer, Regulatory and Compliance (CRC) team, Massey is already extensively involved in advising clients on AI adoption and governance, and looks forward to developing his internal role in parallel with that ongoing advisory work. “I am delighted to take on this role and to support our teams in finding innovative ways to deliver excellent results for clients,” said Massey. “The firm has invested extensively in getting the best out of AI through training and data governance, and it’s great to see the benefits in action.”
Bell Gully has also established the role of Knowledge Manager to drive the implementation of AI technologies across the firm. Stephanie Colling, who currently leads Bell Gully’s Library and Research team and has been involved in the roll-out of AI, has been appointed to the role. Stephanie’s role will involve overseeing the maintenance and continuing development of the firm’s, know-how, helping to drive reliable and high-quality use of AI tools.
