ALA National 2026 at the Gaylord National Harbor in Washington, D.C., had a lot going on. Sessions, meetings, events and, fittingly for a waterfront setting, more than a few walruses.
Between the stuffed walruses, the squeaky walruses and a certain very busy venue, it became a bit of a theme. But somewhere between the booth and the final night of the conference, the conversations got a lot more interesting.
And that’s really what we came for.
What We Heard
Across dozens of conversations with legal administrators, IT leaders and firm leadership, a few themes consistently came up:
- AI is top of mind, but firms are focused on doing it responsibly
Interest in AI is high, but the conversation has shifted. Firms are less focused on what’s possible and more focused on governance, risk and how to apply it in a way that makes sense for their environment. - Technology is now directly tied to firm performance
Legal tech is no longer just about keeping systems running. Firms are evaluating how technology impacts billable hours, user efficiency and overall client experience. - The right IT partner is a strategic decision
There is growing emphasis on alignment. Firms are looking for partners who understand how they operate, share their values and can provide consistent, forward-looking guidance, not just reactive support. Just as important, they are looking for real face time with a team that is present, engaged and willing to spend the time needed to understand their firm and support them over the long term. - Execution is the real challenge
Most firms already know what needs to change. The barrier is time and internal bandwidth. Competing priorities continue to slow progress, even when the need is clear.
What Stood Out
Across these conversations, one thing became clear: firms are not lacking awareness. They are lacking clarity on how to move forward.
There is no shortage of interest in AI, security and new technology. What is harder is turning that interest into something practical. Questions are shifting from “What should we be looking at?” to “What can we realistically implement and manage?”
At the same time, expectations around IT partnerships are changing. Firms are not just looking for support when something breaks. They are looking for consistency, alignment and a dedicated partner who can help them make better decisions over time.
What This Means for Law Firms
These themes point to a broader shift in how firms are approaching technology.
- AI adoption will be defined by governance and practical application, not experimentation alone
- Technology decisions are increasingly tied to productivity, efficiency and client experience
- The gap between reactive support and strategic partnership is becoming more visible
The firms seeing the most impact are taking a more intentional approach, aligning their decisions about technology with people, process and long-term strategy.
Moments That Mattered
Those themes were not just theoretical. We saw them play out in real conversations throughout the week.
Some of the most valuable discussions didn’t just happen on the show floor. They happened in the moments when people had time to step back and talk more candidly.
- Drinks on the Dock(et) at The Walrus
Co-hosted with 3545 Consulting and SurePoint, this final-night event brought together clients, prospective firms, partners and plenty of familiar faces from across the legal community. With no presentations or formal agenda, it created space for more relaxed, candid conversations and a chance to connect outside of the show floor. Plus, a talented musician had us all singing along in a real campfire, kumbaya feeling by the end of the night. - Booth conversations that went beyond quick interactions
Our booth created a steady flow of conversations throughout the week, with attendees stopping by to connect, ask questions and compare notes. At one point, we had to adjust the booth feng shui on the fly to keep things moving and avoid what was starting to feel like a minor fire code situation. The lockbox challenge gave people a chance to try their luck at winning a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses. What might have started as someone’s quick stop turned into longer, more meaningful discussions time and time again. - Partner collaboration in action
Working alongside 3545 Consulting and SurePoint reinforced something we heard repeatedly: firms are looking for alignment across their technology partners, not disconnected solutions. These conversations highlighted the value of working with technology partners that understand each other’s roles and can support the firm in a more cohesive way.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
The conversations that started at ALA did not end there.
If any of this sounds familiar, you are not the only one working through it. We are continuing these same conversations with firms every day and would be happy to compare notes.
If you want to keep the conversation going, connect with our team.