(A 2-minute read that is really worth your while)
The theme of this year’s ABA TECHSHOW 2026 in Chicago took a thoughtful and analytical approach to the impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has on attorneys, legal staff, law firms and the practice of law in general. The message from speakers and panelists was surprising, even shocking at times, and delivered a wake-up call: The legal profession now stands at a pivotal moment. A.I. is here. It presents both opportunity and risk in modern law practice. Its impact on people and practices cannot be overstated.
The opening keynote speech at the conference set the tone and issued a challenge: “The Lawyers We’ll Need: Preparing the Legal Profession for a Post-AI World”. The closing keynote was its bookend: “Law and A.I.: The Next Frontier for the Industry and the Profession”. In-between, the conference agenda focused on the following topics:
- AI Transformation — How Artificial Intelligence reshapes legal roles, workflows, and ethics.
- Cybersecurity & Risk — Data protection, cloud security, scams, disaster recovery.
- Software Mastery – Hands-on sessions in Microsoft 365, Adobe, Google Workspace.
- Litigation Tech — Digital evidence, deepfakes, visual persuasion, using tech in the courtroom.
- Practice Operations — Tech stack selection, workflows, analytics, and working with remote teams.
- Digital Marketing – How-To’s in podcasting, visibility in AI searches, video, newsletters.
- Access to Justice – Using AI tools and technologies that expand legal access.
In addition to the various sessions, the conference also housed an Exhibit Hall that included vendors representing all legal technology solutions for daily operations in law firms. We spoke with several vendors whose products we support. We’ll be writing about new features in future posts. But one overarching theme that emerged was the inclusion or enhancement of AI agents in their programs.
In conclusion, ABA TECHSHOW 2026 reflected a profession in transition—one that must balance opportunity with caution as AI, cybersecurity threats, digital evidence, and client expectations rapidly evolve. Their overarching message is clear: lawyers who pair technological competence with human judgment, ethical commitment, and operational discipline will be best positioned for a future that will be AI‑augmented, security‑conscious, data‑driven, client‑centered — and deeply human.
Our team at Crosspointe understands these trends in the legal profession and can advise our clients on how to navigate these transitions with confidence. From needs analysis to recommendations to implementation, customization and training services, we can show you how to get the most from what you have or what you want. Want to know more? Contact us at (877) 375-2810 or write to us at info@crosspointecg.com.
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See also:
Legalweek 2026: AI is Now the Front Door to Legal Technology – But No Longer the Differentiator
Dana Riel is President and Founder of Business Solutions, Inc., serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area since 1985. Her firm is the authorized training center for the region for Time Matters and PCLaw by PCLaw|Time Matters, PLLC; Timeslips and Sage 50 Accounting by Sage Software; and QuickBooks by Intuit Corporation. She also serves as a consultant for Caret Legal (formerly known as Zola Suite), CosmoLex, Soluno & TimeSolv. As a trainer, Dana has provided training services to organizations such as the DOD Defense Logistics Agency, Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAG)/Department of the Navy, University of the District of Columbia School of Law, U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as with small‐ to mid‐size law firms in the Baltimore‐Washington D.C. area. In 2009, she participated in the series of day‐long seminars sponsored by the District of Columbia Bar Association Practice Management Section, titled “Basic Training: Learn About Running a Law Office”. Ms. Riel also served as an Adjunct Professor in Georgetown University’s Paralegal Studies Program, having taught the course, “Legal Ethics/Legal Technology” in 2009; and “Legal Technology” for the Spring and Summer Semesters of 2010. She presently serves on the Advisory Board for PCLaw|Time Matters, PLLC.
