Meet the Member: Jamie Bookless
Meet Jamie Bookless, Partner in the Regulatory & Risk Advisory team at Walkers, who we are delighted to have onboard as our Drinks Reception sponsor at this year's Chamber Gala Dinner.
Who are you & what do you do?
I'm Jamie Bookless, Partner in the Regulatory & Risk Advisory team at Walkers in Guernsey. I've been in private practice for over twenty years, with the last decade or so spent offshore. My practice covers all aspects of financial services regulation, as well as data protection, sanctions and competition law. As a former litigator my work often has a contentious element to it and I'm often the person a client will call when a regulatory matter turns even slightly adversarial. My clients range from trust and company service providers, a variety of corporate entities, banks and accountancy firms and high net worth individuals.
How are you personally using AI at home and at work?
At work, I find that AI can be really helpful in the early stages of a matter. I often use it to prepare an initial review of large volumes of documentation, and it is also of real assistance with research. AI can help identify relevant material faster which allows me to focus on the advice my clients actually need. At home, I don’t actually tend to use it terribly much other than for planning holidays!
How is your company adapting to the challenges and opportunities of AI?
We have invested in secure, high-level software. There's a strong emphasis on training, ensuring lawyers at all levels understand both the capabilities and the limitations of the technology. The firm is also very clear on governance; our protocols around data handling and human oversight reflect the same standards we advise our clients to adopt.
What’s your AI top tip?
Never outsource your judgement or the final decision. AI is fantastic at processing information at speed, but it doesn't understand context the way an experienced lawyer does. Use it to accelerate the groundwork, whether that is the research or document review, but always apply your own professional consideration and review of the output.
What is your current must read or listen that’s influencing you professionally/personally?
I'm currently reading The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis. Given it's about a serial killer I'm really hopeful it won't be influencing me professionally or personally!