This past Sunday, I was deeply honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement award at the American Legal Technology Awards.
As I stood there, absorbing the magnitude of the moment, I couldn’t help but think about the vast network of innovators, mentors, and colleagues who have shaped not just my career, but the entire field of legal technology. There are too many to mention, but I often trace my approach to legal technology to an exchange of emails with Marc Lauritsen many years ago that was extraordinary in both its helpfulness and generosity to someone starting in document assembly who Marc didn’t even know.
As I accepted the award after a generous introduction from my friend Cat Moon, I found myself reflecting on the path that lies ahead for the next generation of legal tech innovators. This recognition serves as an opportunity to share insights with those just beginning their careers in this exciting field.
The legal tech community has always been more than just a professional network; it’s been a source of inspiration, support, and relentless innovation. From the early days of document assembly software to the pioneering days of websites, blogs, and podcasts to today’s AI-driven opportunities, we’ve witnessed a transformation that has redefined the practice of law and the delivery of legal services. Yet, amidst all this change, one thing has remained constant: the spirit of generosity and collaboration that defines our community.
In my acceptance speech, I tried to capture this sentiment:
“People often say it takes a village to support a lifetime achievement award, but when I think about my journey in legal tech, it feels more like I’ve been uplifted by a vast global network of pioneers, visionaries, and generous peers who have shaped the paths we all now walk on. The legal tech community has been a source of strength and a home for me, and it’s an honor to stand here today because of the generosity of this community.
I’ve been fortunate to contribute and give back in ways modeled after the group of legaltech pioneers I first met. One of the ways I’ve chosen to honor this community is by creating the ‘Fresh Voices on Legal Tech’ interview series on my podcast with Tom Mighell. It reflects the spirit of giving back—helping emerging voices, just as the pioneers before me once did for me.
I want to leave you with a question that I often challenge my law students with: as business writer Bill Taylor puts it, ‘Are you learning as fast as the world is changing?’ It’s a question that guides me daily and one that I hope will inspire all of us to keep pushing forward. Thank you for honoring me today, and let’s continue learning together.“
Are you learning as fast as the world is changing?
For those looking to build a career in legal technology, here are some key lessons I’ve learned:
- Embrace the Community: The legal tech field is unique in its collaborative spirit. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others, attend conferences, join online forums, and participate in discussions. The connections you make can lead to mentorship opportunities, collaborations, and even job prospects.
- Cultivate a Growth Mindset: As highlighted in my speech, continuous learning is crucial. Technology evolves rapidly, and so must we. Stay curious, be open to new ideas, and never stop asking questions.
- Bridge the Gap: One of the most valuable skills in legal tech is the ability to bridge the gap between law and technology. Develop a strong understanding of both fields to position yourself as a valuable translator and innovator.
- Give Back: As you progress in your career, look for opportunities to mentor others and contribute to the community. This not only helps others but also reinforces your own learning and network.
- Be Adaptable: The legal tech landscape is constantly changing. Be prepared to pivot, learn new skills, and adapt to new technologies and methodologies throughout your career.
- Think Globally: Legal tech is a global field. Be aware of international trends, regulations, and innovations. A global perspective can open up new opportunities and insights.
- Balance Innovation with Practicality: While it’s exciting to work with cutting-edge technologies, remember that the ultimate goal is to create practical solutions that add real value to legal practice for both legal professionals and their clients. Innovation, especially with tech, arises directly from understanding a pain or a problem and then alleviating it or solving it.
- Understand the Business of Law: Technology doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Understanding the business aspects of law firms and legal departments will help you develop more relevant and impactful solutions.
Remember, the field of legal technology is not just about building tools or implementing systems. It’s about reimagining how legal services are delivered, improving access to justice, and shaping the future of the legal profession. Your contributions, no matter how small they may seem at first, have the potential to make a significant impact. In my case, doing a little bit at a time over a long time led to a significant body of work and network.
For me, this award is not just a recognition of past achievements but a call to action for the future. Now, more than ever in this era of AI, legaltech needs fresh voices, diverse perspectives, and innovative ideas. In a field as dynamic as legal technology, complacency is not an option. We must remain curious, adaptable, and forward-thinking.
Now is not the time to stand back and let it all be.
As we look to the future of legal technology, I’m cautiously optimistic. The challenges we face might be greater than ever. But I’ve seen firsthand the brilliance and dedication of the people in our community, and I know we’re up to the task, if we work together. The future requires our active engagement and thoughtful stewardship. Now is not the time to stand back and let it all be.
To everyone in the legal tech community, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting your journey: thank you. Your ideas, your passion, and your willingness to collaborate and share knowledge are what make this field so exciting and impactful. Let’s continue to learn, innovate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in legal technology.
By fostering a culture of continuous learning, embracing diverse perspectives, and maintaining our commitment to justice and ethical practice, we can ensure that legal technology continues to evolve in ways that benefit not just the legal profession, but society as a whole.
To everyone in legal tech: your ideas, passion, and willingness to collaborate are what make this field so exciting and impactful. Let’s continue to learn, innovate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. May the best be yet to come.
[Originally posted on DennisKennedy.Blog (https://www.denniskennedy.com/blog/)]
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