LTRC Roundtable: How has TECHSHOW Inspired You?

Our Panelist: Jim Calloway (JC), Alexander Paykin (AP), Michele Carney (MC), Alan Kleven (AK), Michael Golder (MG), Michael DJ Eisenberg (MDJE), Brett Burney (BB), Catherine Sanders Reach (CSR), Mark Calaguas (MJC). 

How has TECHSHOW Inspired You?

JC: I remember my very first ABA TECHSHOW. I met many people and had many great conversations. By Day 2, I realized these are my people– the ones who see how technology is going to change law practice and society, even though they may be stuck with dial-up internet today. Now after a couple of decades of ABA TECHSHOW, I’ve made so many lifelong friends and learned so much at every TECHSHOW.

AP: Walking through the Expo hall (let alone attending the CLE lectures), I am constantly presented with a view of the future.  Automation, integrations, products, and services that had not been possible a year ago stand there staring at me.  From well-established firms to start-ups I had never heard of, all lined up to show the promises of tomorrow.

MC: I did not know what to expect when I first attended the ABA TECHSHOW.  It exceeded my expectations.  It offered so many different topics ranging from practice management to complex technical solutions for your firm.  I came away from the TECHSHOW with so many new ideas for my firm.  For example, we have been using a server for years.  It seemed like a secure and easy solution to store our data.  However, we had to replace our server about every 10 years.  Just sitting in a session on the pros and cons of servers, cloud, SharePoint, etc., broke it down for me to make the change.  In addition, the information from the Exhibit Hall vendors is very valuable, and it gave me a chance to talk to my providers face-to-face about issues.   

AK:  My first TECHSHOW was in 2006.  I had 4 young children and worked in a firm that had no clue about existing and emerging technologies.  We had a self-built case management platform, and I was consistently washing my hands from the mess of carbon copy paper.  That first TECHSHOW was my wake-up call to a new way of practicing law.  Within a few years, I became proficient with cloud-based products, security, and desktop scanning - it provided me the benefits of not having to bat an eye in altering my practice when COVID hit.  I even was able to parlay my knowledge into a successful legal technology consulting practice.  I am presently the Chair of the Legal Technology Resource Center because I would like to give back to the ABA for the many years of knowledge I gained by being a member of the Law Practice Division and meeting so many amazing people at  TECHSHOW.

MG:  I can’t say that TECHSHOW “inspired” me, but it was a wonderful source for recognizing all the evolving tools that could be used or adapted to invigorate my practice and make me more efficient, which was certainly a benefit for my clients and also freed up time for me to do other things.

MDJE: My first TECHSHOW was in 2019. I was looking for inspiration for something “outside” my practice of law that dealt with the synergy of tech and law. I’ve been a tech geek since my first “Pong” game in the late 70s. I was overwhelmed by the excitement and energy the speakers, attendees, and exhibitors had (and continue to have) about using technology to improve the practice of law! It inspired me to start my own blog and podcast. And better yet, I’ve made some good friends from the show over the years!

BB: Just having a single, one-stop event where I can go and see the best of what’s available in the continuously evolving legal market, as well as observe how others are integrating new tech and ideas in their practice. It usually comes down to the common adage “if they can do that, so can I!”

CSR: ABA TECHSHOW is my annual immersion into all things legal tech. I haven’t missed one since 2000, even during COVID, when it was virtual. I come home energized from great conversations, new connections, and a greater understanding of old and new technology and how it can help lawyers (and their clients) in practice.

MJC: Last year was my first TECHSHOW and it was an insightful convergence of voices debating the transformational changes facing our profession and exploring practical solutions to help navigate these developments. It's a thrill to join this community, and in 2025, I'm looking forward to making my second appearance at TECHSHOW, this time as a presenter at two sessions!