ILTACON 2026 Highlights Day Two Focus on People and AI in Legal Practice
ILTACON 2026 has demonstrated significant growth this year, reinforcing its status as one of the largest gatherings in the legal technology sector. Filevine has launched an extensive campaign promoting its new Legal Operating Intelligence System, featuring advertisements with Sarah Rafferty, known for her role in Suits. Thomson Reuters is also enhancing its presence with updates to CoCounsel Legal. Attendees are engaged in discussions about sponsored evening concerts featuring artists such as Sheryl Crow, Lady A, and Little Big Town, alongside various branded promotions throughout the event.
While the atmosphere is lively, the focus of Tuesday's sessions shifted towards more substantive issues affecting the legal profession. The discussions moved beyond software solutions to address the human element and the integration of artificial intelligence within law firms.
Notably, some of the most attended sessions were not centred on technology. Brad Kaufman, Senior Chairman at Greenberg Traurig, shared insights on cultivating resilience in a fast paced legal career. Elaine Dick, Lead Practice Innovation Attorney at Baker Hostetler, collaborated with executive coaches Amy Wegener and Sandra Bang to explore the challenges of confronting fear in the workplace. Additionally, ILTA launched the second volume of its Lessons in Leadership book, underscoring the importance of the human experience amid industry transformations.
Joannie Murray, Director of IT at Krieg DeVault, delivered a candid presentation on managing technology in a mid sized firm with limited resources. She articulated the expectations of law firm users for instant access, seamless integrations, and AI assisted workflows, while also highlighting the challenges posed by security requirements that often complicate user experiences. Murray emphasised the ongoing tension IT teams face in balancing user demands with necessary governance and security measures.
Max Junestrand, CEO of Legora, succinctly encapsulated the current paradigm shift, stating that as reliance on AI increases, firms must carefully manage the processes involved. Tim Fox, Chief Data and AI Officer at Ogletree Deakins, echoed this sentiment, asserting that human oversight remains essential in AI driven workflows. He also noted a shift in how firms are discussing value, moving from a focus on efficiency to enablement, emphasising the potential applications of AI rather than merely quantifying time savings.
Overall, while the vibrant atmosphere of campaigns and concerts contributed to the event's energy, the core discussions centred on maintaining accountability in AI applications and ensuring that legal professionals remain grounded amidst the evolving landscape.