Welcome to the Dataverse
Cat Casey:
Welcome to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Dataverse! If you’re stepping into the legal tech universe for the first time, don’t panic—we’re here to help you navigate the infinite (and sometimes baffling) landscape of eDiscovery, AI, and everything in between. Think of this series as your trusty guide, packed with practical tips, playful puns, and a dash of cosmic humor to help you not just survive but thrive in the fast-moving world of legal technology.
In this first episode, we’re zooming in on the heart of the legal tech galaxy: conferences. More specifically, we’ll break down some major star systems. Each one is a pivotal event in the legal tech cosmos, filled with groundbreaking panels, AI revelations, and—of course—enough networking to power a small starship. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned legal explorer, grab your towel (or your laptop charger), and let’s dive into the galaxy’s most exciting conference constellations!
First Stop: ILTACON 2024 – The AI Invasion Begins
Cat Casey:
Ah, ILTACON 2024—the legal tech conference that made AI feel like the galaxy’s most exciting (and slightly intimidating) new player. If you attended this year, you know the atmosphere was positively electric with discussions about artificial intelligence and automation. It was as if we’d collectively agreed that 2024 was the year AI stopped being a sci-fi concept and officially became the go-to solution for everything from document review to legal strategy. The key takeaway? AI is no longer something looming in the distant future; it’s here, and it’s reshaping the way we approach legal processes.
The highlight for me? The discussions on AI ethics and its implications for the legal industry. It felt like a scene out of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy—everyone was trying to figure out how to use AI without inadvertently letting it take over the ship. The sessions were packed with debate about balancing the power of AI while staying on the right side of regulations. Of course, it wouldn’t be ILTACON without a few hiccups. Who can forget that one panel where the AI demo… let’s just say it didn’t exactly go according to plan. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?
Stephen Herrera:
Totally, Cat! ILTACON 2024 was like stepping into a warp-speed ride through the AI universe. And let’s not forget the real question on everyone’s minds: Is AI going to take our jobs? Spoiler alert—it might take some tasks, but it’s also going to create opportunities in areas we never dreamed of. AI was front and center in every conversation, from predictive coding (aka the legal world’s answer to a crystal ball) to automation that makes managing data feel like a stroll through space.
For newcomers, ILTACON is the ultimate crash course in how technology is reshaping law firms and legal departments. And here’s a pro tip for those planning to attend next year: remember where your towel is—your towel being your phone charger, obviously. There’s nothing worse than your phone dying right before you snap a pic of that killer slide deck.
Second Planet from the Sun: Relativity Fest 2024 – A Deep Dive into eDiscovery and AI
Stephen Herrera:
If ILTACON is the gateway to the legal tech universe, Relativity Fest is the high-speed space cruiser that takes you right into the heart of eDiscovery. Set your coordinates for Chicago this October, because RelFest 2024 promises to be one of the most exciting stops in the legal tech orbit. With eDiscovery evolving as fast as a hyperspace jump, Relativity Fest is where the magic happens—AI-enhanced workflows, predictive analytics, and, of course, the latest updates to Relativity Legal Hold.
This year, I’m especially excited about the panels focusing on AI and compliance. Legal holds are becoming more complex, and AI tools are making it easier to manage them—well, in theory. You’ll definitely want to check out the deep dives into how AI is being used to automate legal hold processes and ensure compliance with those pesky data privacy regulations that keep popping up like space junk. Oh, and if you’re into nerding out on data, there’s going to be plenty of that, too!
Relativity Fest is the eDiscovery nerd’s dream come true. You walk in thinking you know a thing or two about handling terabytes of data, and you leave wondering how you ever survived without continuous active learning. It’s like going from driving a sedan to piloting the Millennium Falcon—suddenly, your data management game is on another level.
For the newcomers, Relativity Fest isn’t just about absorbing knowledge. It’s about connecting with a community of people who are all as passionate about data as you are. And yes, there will be parties. Think of them as networking opportunities with the added bonus of mini crab cakes and the occasional AI demo that blows your mind.
This year, keep an eye out for discussions around AI in eDiscovery that go beyond the hype. We’re talking about practical applications—how AI can cut down review times, make sense of messy data sets, and help you manage complex legal holds without breaking a sweat. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.
Landing Home (Finally!): Legal Week 2025 – The Future of AI and Law
Cat Casey:
As we look ahead to Legal Week 2025, it’s clear that AI is going to continue driving the conversation in the legal industry. If ILTACON is the launchpad and Relativity Fest is the space station, then Legal Week is the mothership. This is where the industry heavyweights come together to discuss the big-picture issues—regulations, compliance, and the future of legal ethics in an AI-powered world.
I’m especially excited about the panels on AI and access to justice. As AI becomes more sophisticated, we have a real opportunity to use these tools to democratize access to legal services. The future is bright, but it’s also a little scary—after all, who regulates the regulators when it comes to AI? Legal Week 2025 is where we’ll see those debates play out in real time.
And let’s not forget, Legal Week is where the really serious conversations happen. We’ll be talking about AI’s role in transforming legal strategy, data governance, and—of course—compliance. By 2025, I fully expect that we’ll be dealing with AI tools that can predict case outcomes with mind-blowing accuracy. And who knows, maybe we’ll finally crack the code on how to use AI ethically across the board.
For those planning to attend, here’s your game plan: prioritize the sessions on AI regulations and ethics (I will be moderating two of them). They’re going to shape the future of the legal tech galaxy. And don’t forget to network! Legal Week is the place to make meaningful connections with thought leaders, regulators, and, yes, the occasional AI geek who’s just as fascinated by data as you are.
Conclusion: Navigating the Conference Constellations
Cat Casey:
So, there you have it—a roadmap for navigating the major legal tech conferences of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total newbie, these events offer a deep dive into the hottest trends in legal tech, with AI and eDiscovery at the forefront. ILTACON gives you the broad overview, Relativity Fest takes you into the data weeds, and Legal Week zooms out for the big-picture regulatory discussions.
No matter where you are on your legal tech journey, just remember: don’t panic. The Dataverse may seem overwhelming, but with a solid game plan (and maybe a portable charger), you’ll be ready to take on the AI asteroid fields and eDiscovery black holes like a pro.
Stephen Herrera:
And hey, don’t forget—the guide is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re lost in the sea of acronyms or just trying to figure out what the next AI buzzword means, we’ve got your back. Keep your towel handy, stay curious, and see you at the next conference!
