I am helping to prepare for a big family Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. It strikes me that legal technology is a lot like turkey and its events like family gatherings (without the idiosyncratic relatives, of course). It may not be very appealing to everyone right out of the package (particularly reluctant end users), but it offers lots of promise as it cooks and evolves into something more suited to your taste (and helps manage risk or fuels success).
Although it is only November, I am already thinking about LegalTech New York and the adventure of navigating through the Hilton in February and collecting a bag full of trinkets. The schwag aside, my favorite part of LegalTech is that it symbolizes the unofficial launch of the year in our business. New products, new versions and new entrants.
In the same way that I like attending conferences at the beginning of the year, I also appreciate the perspective of those at its close. For that reason, I am attending the IQPC's 6th Annual E-Discovery Conference, which runs from December 8th through the 11th. As someone who closely monitors the legal technology industry and regularly discusses the impact of its offerings with corporate and outside counsel (e.g., Survey Shows E-Discovery Best Practices), reflection on lessons learned is as critical as hopes for the next must-have application.
The industry has grown, but the mission remains constant and, in many ways, collaborative (like preparation of this turkey). The subject is technology, but the discussion is always about improving communication and relationships. So, at your next 'meet and confer' bring along some turkey. Cranberry sauce might help too.
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Ari L. Kaplan, Esq.
www.arikaplanadvisors.com
(646) 641-0600
Author of "Opportunity Maker: Strategies for Inspiring Your Legal Career Through Creative Networking and Business Development" (Thomson-West, 2008).
For reviews,press and tour schedule, visit the official site of "The Opportunity Maker."



