Douwe has spent the past two decades working in both top-tier law firms and one of the world’s leading technology companies. From his time at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek to his current role at ASML, he has been at the forefront of legal innovation, driving the adoption of AI and digital transformation in the legal sector.

Can you share a personal story that had a significant impact on your career or expertise?

"As a young associate, in 2009, I got to work on a case that would profoundly shape my future career."

"I faced a daunting challenge: serving a court summons to the founders of The Pirate Bay, the worlds largest website for illegal media content, who had scattered across the globe avoiding traditional legal channels. As a lawyer at De Brauw working on behalf of the music industry, I had to find a way to reach these elusive defendants."

"Then it hit me - while they were dodging bailiffs, the Pirate Bay founders were actively posting on social media. The internet was their home! So I came up with a fitting solution: we served the summons through Facebook DMs and Twitter mentions, linking to our court documents. When they reacted online and their IP addresses showed they'd accessed the documents, we had our proof of service. The media dubbed it the "world's first Twitter summons".

Looking back, this case was the catalyst for my "personal quest" to transform the legal industry through innovation. Furthermore, it taught me that meaningful change often comes not from complex technology, but from creatively applying new tools to solve practical problems. It's a lesson I've carried throughout my career, from those early days at De Brauw to my current work driving AI adoption in legal services at ASML and the broader legal community. Sometimes the most powerful innovations are also the simplest - you just need to think differently about the tools already at hand."

What are the top takeaways attendees can expect from your talk?

"Attendees can expect to be inspired by leading-edge examples of successful AI implementations in in-house corporate settings and law firms, offering a clear vision of AI's potential in these industries. Beyond understanding AI's potential, I will offer practical advice on how to begin the AI journey. This includes identifying opportunities, selecting the right technologies, and taking initial steps to integrate AI into operations, ensuring a smooth implementation process."

"I will also address common challenges in AI adoption, such as resistance to change and compliance concerns. By sharing strategies and best practices, I will try to equip attendees with the knowledge to navigate these obstacles and successfully implement AI in their organizations."

How do you usually engage with the audience during your sessions, and why do you choose that approach?

"My presentations are designed to be dynamic and interactive. I use visually appealing slides and graphics (incl videos) to illustrate key points. Additionally, live demonstrations of AI technologies in practice help bring concepts to life. Hands-on examples allow the audience to see AI in action and understand its impact, creating an engaging and immersive learning experience."