ABA TECHSHOW

Connecting with the Future of Legal Technology

Join me as I interview Ruby Powers, owner of Powers Law Group and co-vice chair of ABA Tech Show 2026.

In this energizing podcast episode, Ruby shares her journey from first-time attendee in 2019 to conference leadership, revealing what makes ABA Tech Show the gathering place where legal professionals can hear the future before it happens. She provides insider insights on how to prepare for and maximize the conference experience, from strategic networking approaches to navigating the overwhelming array of vendors in Startup Alley. Ruby also discusses the diverse programming tracks with playful names like “Guardians of the Data” and “Masters of Attraction,” while highlighting serious themes including rule of law and access to justice.

Her passion and practical advice underscore how ABA Tech Show serves as the convergence point for practitioners, vendors, academics, judges, and consultants to compare notes and share ideas. This episode is a must-watch for anyone considering attending the conference, offering valuable perspectives on why this investment delivers returns for everyone from solo practitioners to Big Law firms.

The Skinny

Ruby Powers, owner of Powers Law Group and co-vice chair of ABA Tech Show 2026, shares her evolution from first-time attendee in 2019 to conference leadership, demonstrating the transformative power of this annual gathering. Taking place March 25-28 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Center in Chicago, this year’s conference features a playful comic-con theme alongside serious programming on rule of law and access to justice.

Ruby breaks down the conference into three main value pillars: networking and connections, CLE and educational content, and the exhibit hall experience. She emphasizes strategic preparation including posting on LinkedIn to find fellow attendees, creating WhatsApp groups for real-time coordination, and being purposeful about which sessions to attend. Ruby describes the community as a few hundred people who see each other multiple times per year at various conferences, with ABA Tech Show serving as the central gathering place where you can hear the future of legal technology before it happens. The conference benefits everyone from solo practitioners to Big Law, legal tech companies, consultants, nonprofits, judges, and academics teaching the next generation of lawyers.

Key Takeaways:

  • ABA Tech Show 2026 will be held March 25-28 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Center in Chicago, with registration available at techshow.com
  • The conference offers three main value areas: networking and connections, CLE and educational content, and the exhibit hall experience with Startup Alley
  • Strategic preparation is essential—post on LinkedIn before attending to find fellow attendees, create communication groups, and plan which sessions to attend
  • The legal tech community consists of a few hundred people who gather multiple times per year, with ABA Tech Show serving as the central convergence point
  • Conference programming features playful track names like “Space, Time, and Leadership,” “Guardians of the Data,” and “Masters of Attraction” while addressing serious themes including rule of law
  • A new access to justice track will be located in the exhibit hall, making it free to attend with an exhibit hall pass
  • The conference benefits all types of legal professionals: solo practitioners, midsize firms, Big Law, legal tech companies, consultants, nonprofits, judges, and academics
  • Attendees often discover new business ideas and revenue streams they hadn’t anticipated before attending
  • The conference provides a concentrated way to understand what’s happening in legal technology from multiple perspectives in just a few days
  • Ruby and Tom will be co-paneling a session titled “Frontline Heroes: AI Receptionists, Smart Intake, and Seamless Scheduling”

Read the full article and Watch the Podcast Episode here.


Tom Martin
Lawdroid Manifesto