For the first time in nine years, Massachusetts attorneys will be presented with the latest technology innovations to aid in the practice of law at a centrally located, all-day legal trade show this fall.
Sponsored jointly by the Massachusetts Bar Association and Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, the expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Needham Sheraton Hotel on Cabot Street, just minutes from Route 95. Displays will include products from dozens of vendors, many of whom will hold short seminars or “Tech Talks” throughout the day.
“Providing information, and access to technological supports for practicing attorneys in Massachusetts, particularly attorneys in solo or small firm practices, is a priority for the MBA as we work to support the day-to-day practices of our members,” MBA Executive Director Marilyn J. Wellington said. “We’re so proud to partner with Lawyers Weekly on this important initiative.”
“Technology is going to be extremely important to most every lawyer in the next decade,” said Lawyers Weekly Vice President and Publisher David L. Yas. “In order to maintain a competitive law practice, keeping up with the latest tech devices is a must. And to most of us, the latest advances in software and assorted gizmos can be a little daunting. The legal tech show will be a great place to learn about what you need to run a successful law practice in the years to come. Lawyers Weekly and the MBA have a shared goal in helping lawyers find the tools they need to flourish, so this is a natural fit.”
The legal technology trade show follows in the footsteps of similar successful events held annually in New York and other markets. This year’s expo aims to bring the same high level of technological innovation to Bay State practitioners, who can learn ways to simplify their practices and make their offices run more efficiently.
“This event provides an opportunity for Massachusetts attorneys and firms to see firsthand the most recent technological tools available to help them more easily manage their practice,” said Mark Doherty, director of MBA Fiscal Operations and Business Development.
The November trade show will be the MBA’s first since 1996, when the ninth annual Legal Technology Expo was held all day on April 9 at the Copley Marriott in Boston.
Attorneys – whether they practice solo or at small, mid-sized or large firms – need to keep on top of the latest technological offerings and understand how they work, said Alan Klevan, chair of the MBA’s Law Practice Management Section.
“Whether or not the attorney knows it, they are using technology all the time, and at the minimum, they should be aware of the technology that’s out there,” said Klevan, who practices in Wellesley. “I think the technology fair is really important.”
Klevan said products that include document assembly programs help him save a lot of money and time. Other products attorneys may find valuable include digital document storage and digital dictation.
Technology that includes personal digital assistants and Web-based offerings give Klevan the flexibility to work at home, on the road or on vacation. “As a father of four young children, I find it necessary to practice outside of the office,” he said.