LTRC Roundtable: How Has Attending TECHSHOW Improved Your Practice?

Our Panelist: Jim Calloway (JC), Alexander Paykin (AP), Michele Carney (MC), Alan Kleven (AK), Michael Golder (MG), Reid Trautz (RT), Brett Burney (BB), Catherine Sanders Reach (CSR).

How Has Attending TECHSHOW Improved Your Practice?

JC: As a practice management advisor, I need to be familiar with almost every technology tool a lawyer might use. ABA TECHSHOW has helped me gain both an overview of some tech tools and in-depth knowledge of others. 

AP: Every year I go, the Expo is basically my candy store.  I get to see all of the newest cutting edge legal tech, kick the tires so to speak, and then walk away with the most impressive new products and services.  They may not all work out, but every year, I find at least one new way of becoming more efficient.

MC: It has provided me with new ideas, and we have streamlined our practice with the tips I learned from TECHSHOW.  Plus, the knowledge you get from discussing issues face-to-face (or over dinner)  with colleagues, speakers, or vendors is invaluable.  

AK: Every time I go to TECHSHOW, I make certain that I have as much knowledge as I can about two or three principles presented.  Last year, it was generative AI, and the existing and emerging products were used to implement AI in my practice. I believe TECHSHOW is a great experience for someone who wants to streamline their practice and make it more efficient and profitable. 

RT: Each year I come away with several pages of practical notes and ideas gleaned from educational sessions, visits to the exhibit hall, and discussions with other lawyers that I then put to use over the next few months. Technology constantly evolves. As it improves, we need to know the sweet spot for our firms to be able to take advantage of the benefits technology provides for our staff and, ultimately, our clients. TECHSHOW is the best place for lawyers to learn this each year. 

MG: I have attended several TECHSHOWs over the years, once as a speaker. I found the sessions, on the whole, to be interesting and helpful for my transactional practice. The opportunities to meet and spend time just talking with other attendees and speakers beyond sitting in the programs provide a great resource.

BB: Harnessing all of the inspiration from 1) the presenters who provide unique perspectives, 2) the vendors who serve up improvements based on constant feedback, and 3) the fellow attendees who have also taken time off work to learn, share, and network. 

CSR: I am “not a lawyer,” though my job is to help lawyers with practice management. ABA TECHSHOW is essential to me because it is an opportunity to get up to speed with not only the latest and greatest technology but also learn how lawyers are leveraging these tools in their practice in real life.