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Techshow 2009

Techshow 2008 is over and done, and plenty of other blogs have done a terrific job of recounting the best of the 2 1/2 day conference, while I headed out for a family vacation. Interestingly, planning for the 2009 edition of Techshow is already underway. It started the afternoon Techshow 2008 ended.  Yep, I was there. I've been selected to be a member of the 2009 Techshow Planning Board, and I look forward to contributing to the success of this 23-year tradition as the premier technology event for the legal profession.

Techshow is not until next March, but the planning board is already looking at evaluation forms from this past year, watching for emerging trends over the next year, and seeking input from within the legal profession and from without.  I'd be pleased to hear from anyone who has thoughts and ideas about the direction of legal technology and the impact on lawyers, law firms, and their clients. Feel free to e-mail me using the e-mail link above.

ABA Techshow 2008 Keynote Discusses Privacy Issues

Marc Rotenberg, Executive Director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) just finished his keynote presentation at ABA Techshow 2008, and from the reactions of the audience it was a homerun.  He provided timely insights into on-line privacy using the current Spitzer Scandal as an example. Interesting, provactive, and helpful to lawyers trying to protect clients and counsel them on the realities of being on-line. Godd lessons for us too. I hope to post is presentation later or check the Techshow website.

See You at Techshow 2008

I'm headed to Chicago for the ABA Techshow--my ninth time to attend this fun and informative event.  Late last week, I shared my thoughts with Rob La Gatta of Kevin O'Keefe's Real Lawyers Have Blogs.  As I explained to Rob, Techshow continues to provide the latest information in legal technology--especially in the areas of information and computer security, portable technology, and litigation technology.  Even though there is no new huge blockbuster technology, many existing technologies have evolved, matured, and merged into more affordable and useful products and services for law firms. Furthermore, the computer criminals are still rolling out new methods to steal, harm, and terrorize businesses of all sizes; lawyers must remain knowledgeable and vigilant to make sure these criminals do not compromise confidential client data and valuable firm information.

Besides the serious business, we also have serious fun, as Techshow has become a popular networking event for lawyers in firms of all sizes across many practice areas.  I look forward to the new Techshow After Dark, and hosting a table with Bruce Olson as part of the Taste of Techshow dinner event.

See you there!

Nominate Your Firm for an InnovAction Award

The College of Law Practice Management is seeking nominations for the 2008 InnovAction Awards, to recognize law firms, law departments, and other legal services providers who are engaged in extraordinary innovation efforts.  According to the College, "the awards are meant to inspire and promote extraordinary and effective business innovation in law practices around the world to catalyze positive change in the delivery of legal services and in the legal profession."

Take a moment to review the terms of this innovative award program, and consider nominating your firm and/or passing along this information to another firm that deserves consideration.