As I sit down to write this column for the TECHSHOW edition of Law Practice magazine, I find myself reflecting on my own journey toward the intersection of law and technology. My fascination with this blend began back in college, around the second decade of TECHSHOW. A business law class initially piqued my interest in the legal field, sparking a desire to dive deeper into the world of law. At the time, my career path was firmly set on being a computer systems analysis officer in the Air Force upon graduation, so I couldn’t imagine how my background in technology might ever connect with my budding passion for law. That changed when I took a computer law class, opening my eyes to the possibilities of combining these two interests. While my legal career ultimately didn’t focus on technology as a subject matter, my fascination with integrating technology as a tool in legal practice has remained a constant.
My first visit to TECHSHOW was a revelation. When I started practicing law and eventually launched my own solo practice, my initial attraction to the Law Practice Division was more about our other pillars—marketing, practice management and finance. For years, I assumed TECHSHOW was primarily for gadget enthusiasts and legal tech professionals. But when I finally attended, I discovered that TECHSHOW truly offers something for everyone—whether you consider yourself high-tech, low-tech or even no-tech.
Those few days at TECHSHOW provided invaluable mental space to focus not just on working in my practice but on working on my practice. I left inspired and equipped with new strategies to become a better lawyer through technology. Technology was a tool to address marketing, practice management and finance. One of the most impactful experiences for me was connecting with other attorneys to learn how they leveraged technology to solve real-world problems in their practices and within the broader legal system.
I still recall a roundtable discussion with family law practitioners where I met a judge using video conferencing for brief pre-trial conferences. This was in a state with widely dispersed courthouses where lawyers regularly practiced in multiple jurisdictions. I returned to my own community energized by the idea of implementing similar technology in our multi-courthouse county. Little did I know how essential that technology would become during the pandemic—and how it would remain a standard practice for handling brief matters long after.
Looking ahead, I see technology continuing to reshape our profession, with artificial intelligence (AI) poised to play a significant role in providing access to justice and streamlining court operations for both lawyers and self-represented litigants. TECHSHOW is more than just an event—it is a critical opportunity to explore these advancements and understand their implications for our practices and our clients.
At TECHSHOW, the intersection of law and technology is on full display through CLE sessions, technology demonstrations and invaluable networking opportunities. The event not only spotlights innovations that boost profitability but also highlights justice tech tools that improve access to the civil and criminal justice systems. Attendees are immersed in the latest trends and gain insights from experts who forecast the future of legal technology.
AI has taken center stage at recent TECHSHOWs, and the 40th-anniversary edition promises to continue this trend. As the legal profession navigates AI’s evolving role, discussions are shifting from automation tools to AI’s potential as a decision-making partner—and the ethical questions that come with it. When is it appropriate for AI to assist a lawyer, and when might it replace certain functions altogether?
This issue of Law Practice delves into these topics, providing a roadmap for those who may approach AI with hesitation. We explore the broad spectrum of AI applications, from its role in the courtroom to its use by nonlawyers. Consider this edition of the magazine your invitation to join us at TECHSHOW, where you’ll find endless opportunities to learn, innovate and connect. I hope to see you there!
