Solo/Small Firm May 2023
The Best of the ABA TECHSHOW 2023
This year's even featured networking, innovative thinking, and practical advice.
Written by Ruby Powers
THE ABA TECHSHOW 2023 in Chicago was a true celebration of the cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices that are shaping the future of the legal profession. This year’s event, which brought together legal professionals from around the world, was one of the most informative conferences of its kind, featuring inspiring keynote speeches, engaging panel discussions, and practical workshops on a wide range of topics.
One of the most exciting aspects was the opportunity to connect with leading legal technology startups at the Startup Alley on the opening night. Emerging companies showcased their innovative products and services, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to meet with the founders, learn more about their offerings, and explore potential partnerships. This highlighted the rapidly evolving landscape of legal technology and demonstrated how these companies are playing a key role in shaping the future of the legal profession.
The conference featured a range of sessions on technology in the courtroom, a trend that is rapidly transforming the practice of law. One session explored the use of virtual reality in trial preparation, demonstrating how immersive experiences can help lawyers better understand the details of a case and prepare for trial. Another focused on the use of artificial intelligence to analyze and present evidence in court, showcasing how machine learning algorithms can identify patterns in large data sets and provide insights that would be impossible for humans to identify. ChatGPT, similar AI programs, and their integrations were hot topics, discussing how to use them, whether to trust them, and where they would take the legal profession.
Another major theme of the ABA TECHSHOW was legal operations and practice management. Sessions covered topics such as project management, client communication, and workflow automation, providing practical tips and insights on how lawyers can streamline their processes and improve their overall operations. One particularly informative session explored the role of legal operations professionals, who are responsible for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of legal teams.
Cybersecurity and data privacy were also key topics at the conference, given the increasing reliance on technology and the growing risk of cyberattacks and data breaches. The ABA TECHSHOW featured several sessions on these topics, highlighting the importance of protecting sensitive client information and providing practical tips on how to do so. These sessions emphasized the need for lawyers to stay up to date on the latest cybersecurity threats and to take proactive steps to safeguard their clients’ data.
I am a true convert to the value of ABA TECHSHOW. In fact, full disclosure, I am excited to have been recently invited to serve on the TECHSHOW board. Between showcasing the latest trends and advancements in legal technology and providing a platform for legal professionals to connect and learn from each other, the ABA TECHSHOW is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated conferences in the legal industry. Next year’s TECHSHOW will be held February 14-17, 2024, in Chicago. TBJ
RUBY
POWERS is the founder and managing attorney of Houston-based
Powers Law Group, which focuses solely on immigration law. Powers is
certified in immigration and nationality law by the Texas Board of Legal
Specialization. She is an alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small
Businesses, Leadership Houston, and American Leadership Forum. Powers
authored the American Immigration
Lawyers Association’s book Build and Manage Your
Successful Immigration Law Practice (Without Losing
Your Mind). She is a law practice management
consultant and coach with Powers Strategy Group.
