ABA TechShow was an interesting experience, a thousand forward-looking lawyers exploring new answers to improve productivity and service to clients. I suspect the vast majority were paying their own way and consequently intent on achieving value for their investment. They worked nearly around the clock, listening to speakers and panels, scouting the exhibits, conversing over meals. I’ll bet attendance paid off for every one of them.
These are the folks who will be changing the delivery of legal services over the next generation or two. The lawyers were solo- and small-firm practitioners with a good sprinkling of what one large firm IT guy has called “rogue lawyer(s) at large firm(s).” In doing so, these rogues will have much greater direct effect than will LegalZoom.
The vendors were equally impressive. They were knowledgeable, focused, disciplined. Their companies displayed tremendous diversity in terms of products, services and marketing approach. The processes of practicing law have received a lot of attention over the past decade; now we’re beginning to see interest in technology to improve the actual delivery of services. As these technologies mature—TheFormTool is an example of this, third generation technology in the document assembly segment—and begin to converge, the lawyer/client interface will become much more efficient, less expensive, more rewarding, with better service.
All in all, a most impressive experience.
