How Technology is Transforming Legal Practice: Lessons from the 2025 ABA TECHSHOW!
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I had a great time at the 2025 aba techshow!
The 2025 ABA TECHSHOW in Chicago was a remarkable convergence of legal and technological minds, showcasing how innovation is reshaping the legal profession. As a speaker this year, I transitioned from being a traditional attendee to actively contributing to the dialogue on how technology can empower lawyers. This experience underscored not only the importance of embracing technology but also the responsibility to use it wisely in legal practice.
Key Takeaways from My Speaking Engagements
I had the privilege of co-presenting three sessions:
How to Leverage Video to Build Your Brand, Dominate SEO, and Attract the Best Clients with co-presenter Patrick Wright,
Innovations in Client Intake Leveraging Technology for Better Outcomes with co-presenter Patrick Wright, and
The Mobile Lawyer's Guid to Thriving: Practicing Law Anytime, Anywhere (with previous The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast guest Ruby Powers).
These sessions were met with enthusiasm and engagement from attendees, who were eager to learn actionable strategies rather than lofty theories. The feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive, with participants appreciating the practical tools and insights they could immediately apply in their practices.
One of the standout moments for me was witnessing how lawyers are increasingly interested in using technology not just to streamline their work but also to enhance client experiences. For instance, leveraging video for branding and SEO is no longer optional—it’s essential for standing out in a crowded market. Similarly, innovations in client intake processes are helping firms improve efficiency and client satisfaction simultaneously.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice
Me and my co-presenters patrick wright & Ruby powers at the aba techshow!
A dominant theme at this year’s TECHSHOW was the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into legal workflows. Generative AI has become a game-changer, offering tools that can draft documents, analyze case law, and even predict litigation outcomes. Vendors on the trade-show floor demonstrated cutting-edge products that integrate AI into everyday legal tasks, while presenters discussed its potential and pitfalls.
However, as exciting as these advancements are, they come with caveats. Generative AI tools can "hallucinate" by fabricating cases or facts, which means lawyers must remain vigilant and review all AI-generated outputs, like any work product, carefully. The key takeaway here is that while AI can enhance efficiency and accuracy, it cannot replace the critical judgment and ethical responsibility of a human lawyer.
Building a Tech-Savvy Legal Community
The thirst for technological knowledge among lawyers inspired me to launch Tech-Savvy Saturdays (TSS)—a free monthly online webinar designed to help legal professionals better understand and utilize technology. Each session features:
A guest speaker discussing a specific tool or software with a Q&A session.
An open community triage where attendees can seek help with their tech challenges.
A roundup of “cool things found” that could benefit lawyers.
TSS aims to bridge the gap between curiosity and competence in legal tech, empowering lawyers to improve their practices while reclaiming time for themselves.
Always Remember to Review Your Work BEFORE You Submit It to Court!
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Always Remember to Review Your Work BEFORE You Submit It to Court! 🚨
Why Responsible Use of Technology Matters
shout out to CLIO and “Ultimate Canine Dog Training” for bringing lovable puppies to the show!!!
While technology offers immense potential, its responsible use is paramount. Lawyers must understand both the capabilities and limitations of the tools they adopt. For example:
Ethical Considerations: Ensure compliance with professional standards when using AI or other tech tools.
Data Security: Protect client confidentiality by using secure platforms.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated on technological advancements to make informed decisions.
This commitment to responsible tech adoption will not only safeguard clients but also enhance the credibility of the legal profession.
While technology, including generative ai, will not replace lawyers, lawyers who don’t use technology in their work will likely be replaced by those who do.
MTC
I hope to see you April 19, 2025, at 12 PM EST for the inaugural TSS! Sign up here to be updated on the conference’s latest news and the free link to the event!
