Take Advantage of GPSolo’s Technology Resources

As we move further into 2025, technology continues to enhance the legal landscape, offering new efficiencies and challenges for solo and small firm practitioners. Whether we are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for legal research, enhancing client communication with secure platforms, or streamlining case management with cloud-based tools, embracing technological advancements is not optional—it is a necessity.

Along with “wellness,” one of our themes for the GPSolo Division this bar year is “technology and AI.” Our March/April edition of GPSolo magazine highlights a number of issues surrounding technology and AI. Inside this edition, you are invited to read articles focusing on “Finding the Right AI Tool for Your Law Firm,” “Protecting Your Personal Time from AI Scheduling Tools,” and “AI in the Courtroom: How to Impress (Not Irritate) the Judge.” A few of our other topics in this edition explore “Bias in AI Large Language Models,” “Privacy Risks with AI,” and “Predicting the Future of AI for Lawyers.”

Bridging the Gap: Tech for Efficiency and Growth

Solo and small firm practitioners often juggle multiple roles, managing everything from client intake to legal research, billing, and case management. The right technology can streamline these processes, improving efficiency and allowing you to focus on what truly matters: providing top-tier legal services to your clients. Cloud-based practice management software, AI-driven legal research tools, and automated billing platforms are just a few of the innovations that can transform your daily workflow.

Cybersecurity and Ethical Considerations

With the convenience of technology comes the responsibility of safeguarding client data. Cybersecurity threats are real, and solo and small firm attorneys must be vigilant in implementing best practices to protect sensitive information. Multi-factor authentication, encrypted communications, and secure cloud storage solutions are now essential. Additionally, compliance with the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct regarding technology competence (see particularly Rule 1.1, Comment 8) is crucial to ensuring ethical and professional responsibility in our digital world.

Leveraging AI and Automation

AI is no longer the future—it is the present. From contract analysis to legal research and even client communication, AI tools can help attorneys save time and increase accuracy. However, with these advancements come questions of ethics, privacy, and the human touch that is so vital in our profession. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it is our duty to balance technological efficiency with the personalized service our clients expect and deserve.

A Commitment to Education and Innovation

GPSolo provides resources, CLE programming, and practical guidance to help our members stay ahead of the curve. Through webinars, articles, and networking opportunities, we aim to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to embrace technology in your practice effectively.

Technology is not here to replace us—it is here to elevate us. By integrating the right tools, maintaining ethical vigilance, and staying informed about emerging trends, we can continue to serve our clients with excellence and efficiency. I encourage each of you to explore new technological opportunities and take advantage of our GPSolo resources.

Join GPSolo in Washington, D.C.

With these rapid advancements, staying ahead requires not only adopting new tools but also engaging in meaningful discussions with colleagues who share our unique experiences. Please join GPSolo in Washington, D.C., from May 7 to 10, 2025, for the TIPS (Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section) Conference, cosponsored by GPSolo and the Judicial Division. This premier event offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights from leading experts, network with fellow practitioners, and explore cutting-edge technology that can enhance your practice.

CLE in D.C.

The conference will feature dynamic CLE sessions, including ethics sessions. (Credit hours are estimated and are subject to each state’s approval and credit rounding rules; please visit the TIPS website for CLE program details and visit www.americanbar.org/mcle for general information on CLE at the ABA.) These sessions address the intersection of technology and the law/ADR, ethical considerations in an AI-driven world, and practical strategies for small firm success in the digital age, including financial savviness. Beyond education, this gathering fosters collaboration among solo and small firm attorneys, litigators, and members of the judiciary—strengthening the profession as a whole. On our special Judiciary Day, May 8, you will hear from a judicial panel focusing on the balance of free speech and courtroom integrity and a special presentation by a panel of former U.S. Supreme Court law clerks.

Networking in D.C.

Our Welcome Reception will be held on Wednesday, May 7, at our joint conference hotel, The Capital Hilton. We have a few tickets remaining for a special invitation-only GPSolo dinner to be held at the Army and Navy Club immediately following the Welcome Reception. If you are interested in attending, register here (note that dinner registration is separate from the main conference registration). Judiciary Day on Thursday, May 8, highlights the judiciary along with an unforgettable gala experience. Our gala features unlimited access to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the newest institution on the Capitol Mall. This event promises to be an unforgettable evening as attendees will hear from an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Friday, May 9, includes a networking luncheon, a U.S. Pentagon tour, and a walking tour of the National Mall, which nicely coordinates with GPSolo’s “wellness” theme.

Washington, D.C., provides the perfect backdrop for this exchange of ideas. I hope you will take full advantage of the programming, networking, and professional development opportunities. Mark your calendar and make plans to join GPSolo for what promises to be an informative and inspiring event. Be sure to register for the meeting before April 25, 2025, to receive the special discounted GPSolo Division registration rate of $395 (the non-member price is $795). Register for our joint conference and purchase your tickets to the gala reception, the Army and Navy Club dinner, and dinner at the Smithsonian along with your networking luncheon ticket before these events are sold out.

GPSolo Technology Committee

This year’s GPSolo Technology Committee is co-chaired by Andrew Gardner from Houston, Texas, and Kari Petrasek from Mukilteo, Washington. GPSolo is grateful for the hard work of our committee co-chairs as they lead our committee members on interactive discussions regarding technology and AI. Gardner presented a successful AI CLE at our 2024 GPSolo Fall Leadership Meeting in Kauai, Hawaii. You are invited to join our Technology Committee and explore these evolving technological issues with our committee leadership.

The Future

It is impossible to ignore the ever-expanding role of technology in our legal profession. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a new solo lawyer just starting your journey, embracing technological advancements is paramount for a successful practice. The American Bar Association Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division is committed to equipping you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to integrate technology into your practice efficiently and ethically. Technology is not here to replace us—it is here to elevate us. By integrating the right tools, maintaining ethical vigilance, and staying informed about emerging trends, we can continue to serve our clients with excellence and efficiency. I encourage each of you to explore new technological opportunities and take advantage of GPSolo’s resources.

Let’s move forward together, embracing innovation while upholding the principles that define our profession. After you are invigorated by learning about new technology and AI secrets from our March/April edition of GPSolo magazine, join us in Washington, D.C., at the Capital Hilton, May 7 to 10, 2025, and learn more about what GPSolo has to offer.