Solo Small Firm • April 2024

Tech Unleashed

Game-Changing Insights for Lawyers From ABA Techshow 2024.

Written By Ruby L. Powers

The American Bar Association’s Techshow 2024 showcased the latest in legal technology and brought together many thought leaders in this space to discuss how it will impact the future of the legal profession. From cutting-edge technologies to visionary discussions, it proved to be a crucible of ideas shaping the future of legal tech.

EVOLUTION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: The buzz around generative artificial intelligence, or AI, was evident—the majority of the panels discussed the topic substantially or partially. The speed at which it is being adopted is faster than earlier technologies, and panels acknowledged the transformative impact of generative AI on the legal profession, predicting job reductions or reallocations as technology increasingly handles tasks traditionally performed by associates and administrative staff. AI will significantly reduce the time required for legal tasks, streamlining work processes and further inspiring pro se filing. The rise of generative AI tools signals a shift in the mindset of lawyers and legal professionals. In consideration of Rogers’ Innovation Adoption Curve, the innovators and early adopters of generative AI are quick at work imagining and preparing for the future.

CHANGING BILLING STRUCTURES: AI is leading the shift toward new law firm billing models, such as flat fees and subscriptions, moving away from the traditional hourly billing. The death of the lawyer’s billable hour was discussed repeatedly. If a function can be done in seconds, is the billable hour sustainable? This reflects the rapid changes in technology and the industry’s move toward more predictable pricing knowing that AI tools will be used alongside lawyers more readily, increasing efficiency and thereby changing the game.

CONSOLIDATION OF LEGAL SOFTWARE: There’s a notable trend of consolidation among legal software companies, moving toward offering comprehensive, all-in-one services, including customer relationship management, credit card processing, and case management, etc. Beforehand, attorneys would create their a la carte tech stack and hopefully integrate the programs. Now, several companies are leading a merging and acquisitions trend toward providing holistic solutions. Although this consolidation process has been unfolding over the past few years and isn’t yet complete, it continues to progress, signaling a significant change in the software industry landscape. This also causes a lot of angst by law firm owners trying to find the right software company to back their firm’s needs and which company will be better suited in the AI race for efficiency.

Having attended most of the TECHSHOWs from 2019 to present, even speaking at two of them, one can truly see the evolution of the practice of law before our very eyes, unlike the more incremental changes that have been previously highlighted. One cannot stress the importance of adaptability and innovative thinking at this time. Embracing this technological change and reimagining how best to serve our clients is crucial for success in the legal field.

RUBY L. 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. Powers authored the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s book Build and Manage Your Successful Immigration Law Practice (Without Losing Your Mind) and has a new law practice management book coming in 2024.She is a law practice management consultant and coach with Powers Strategy Group and recently started the Power Up Your Practice podcast.