Relativity Fest 2024 continues today, with sessions all day, including one I’m in! Here’s what’s on tap for Relativity Fest 2024 Thursday sessions!
The conference is being conducted at the Hyatt Regency Chicago for the third straight year and continues with a full day of sessions today and a half day Friday morning. As usual, I’ll be covering educational sessions at the conference and reporting on whatever else seems interesting. Here are Relativity Fest 2024 Thursday sessions of note (location in parenthesis):
9:00 AM-10:15 AM CT
Keynote, Grand Ballroom
We hope your Relativity Fest 2024 experience is off to a great start. During the keynote, CEO Phil Saunders will explore how our industry is evolving as the volume of unstructured data explodes and demonstrate how we are working with our customers navigate key challenges. He will be joined by Chief Product Officer Chris Brown and other special guests to dive into the latest with generative AI, modern data types, different use cases – and ultimately, empowering you to elevate your practice.
Speakers: Phil Saunders, CEO, Relativity; Chris Brown, Chief Product Officer, Relativity; Kyle Disterheft, Director, Product Management, Relativity; Cristin Traylor, (she/her), Senior Director, AI Transformation & Law Firm Strategy, Relativity; Elise Tropiano, Director, Product Management, Relativity.
10:45 AM-11:30 AM CT
Expectations vs. Reality: (Safely) Embracing AI for Technology Change, Grand Hall IJ
The pace of technological change has become an unforgiving force, especially for legal teams. Rapid progress in generative artificial intelligence is causing declining preparedness, increasing uncertainty and a new category of skills gaps for counsel to face. Even as teams clamor to adopt the latest AI tools, many remain behind in establishing repeatable, defensible workflows that consistently leverage effective machine learning technologies that have been available for more than a decade. In the current environment, it’s become more important than ever before to distinguish hype from reality and establish sensible technology implementation roadmaps.
This session will cover the current state of technology hype, and share tips for legal professionals to stabilize legal processes amid continual technology advancements, pursue innovation and upskill for ongoing industry disruption. Throughout the discussion, the speakers will explore the impact of advanced technologies through two lenses: 1) the role of legal practitioners and their ability to effectively implement innovation and 2) the investigations they undertake and what new best practices should be utilized for improved success.
Speakers: Wendy King, FTI Technology; Melina Efstathiou, Head of Litigation Technology | Litigation & Dispute Management, Eversheds Sutherland; Scott Reents, Cravath, Swaine & Moore; Jon Chan, FTI.
Intro to eDiscovery Assistant for Relativity Fest Scholars, Grand Hall MN
This required session is for Relativity Scholars. Mentors and others may attend if space is available. Kelly Twigger will introduce and explain how and why eDiscovery Assistant can help you with research and case knowledge.
Speakers: Kelly Twigger, CEO and Founder, eDiscovery Assistant.
Scaling the Cliffs of AI Insanity: Managing Data Created by Generative AI, Regency C
Generative AI is reshaping our everyday experiences by enhancing efficiency, lowering expenses, and conserving time. But, despite driving productivity across the board, the data produced by generative AI has created a new and complex fire swamp for legal professionals, leading to frightening encounters with Data of Unusual Sources. It won’t be long before the courts determine how this data should be addressed in ESI protocols. In-house teams that haven’t already thought about integrating this emerging data source into their defensible disposition and preservation practices need to prepare. While it might feel inconceivable, in this session, we will simplify the intricacies of managing the data created by generative AI and outline methods for handling it adeptly. From learning how to detect the data generative AI models produce to building best practices and leveraging technology to organize it, our panel of industry leaders will help you identify strategies for navigating this new landscape.
Speakers: Aron Ahmadia, Senior Director, Applied Science, Relativity; E.J. Bastien, Sr. Director, Discovery Programs, Microsoft; Todd Itami, Director of Artificial Intelligence and E-Discovery Solutions, Of Counsel, Covington & Burling; Ben Sexton, Vice President of eDiscovery, JND; Ashley Picker Dubin, Counsel, Day Pitney LLP.
Threading Uniqueness: Diverse Paths to Career Success, Grand Hall GH
Let’s be honest, a career in litigation support probably wasn’t on anyone’s list of childhood dream jobs. However, the diverse backgrounds of those in this field contribute to the dynamism and innovation within the industry and panelists will share their unique journeys. We’ll explore how they entered the industry, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and how their unique perspectives have given them an edge. Join us to follow the diverse paths that lead to success.
Speakers: Michelle Six, Gunster; Elise Tropiano, Director, Product Management, Relativity; Jill Rorem, Executive Vice President, Head of eDiscovery and Managed Review, Legalpeople; Sunil Shenoi, Kirkland & Ellis; Paola Salazar, Project Manager, CDS.
10:45 AM-11:45 AM CT
e-Discovery State of the Union, Regency D
An annual Relativity Fest tradition, the e-Discovery State of the Union is your opportunity to hear from prominent journalists, lawyers, technologists, and association leaders on the latest issues in the world of e-discovery and related legal fields. In a friendly competition, you’ll hear the experts’ perspectives on the latest e-discovery news, case law (including bad behavior in e-discovery), legislative developments, research data, and issues affecting the law on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to the law of emojis to the legal ethics of discovery evidence. Join us for this educational, interactive, and occasionally entertaining program, where—instead of lawyers and the media asking the questions—you can ask questions of them.
Speakers: Robert Ambrogi, Publisher, LawSites/LawNext; Stephanie Clerkin, Director of Litigation Support, Korein Tillery; David Cohen, Partner, Reed Smith; Joy Heath Rush, CEO, ILTA; David Horrigan, Discovery Counsel & Legal Education Director, Relativity; Scott Milner, Partner, Morgan Lewis; Ryan O’Leary, Research Director, IDC, Joe Patrice, Senior Editor, Above the Law; Maribel Rivera, VP, Strategy and Client Engagement, ACEDS; Amie Taal, Stratagem Tech Solutions Limited; Stephanie Wilkins, Editor-in-Chief, Legaltech News, ALM Media.
1:00 PM-1:45 PM CT
Beyond Documents: Navigating the Diverse Landscape of Modern e-Discovery Data, Regency C
In today’s digital age, e-discovery extends far beyond traditional documents. Business and personal communications span a wide array of platforms, from short message apps to sophisticated collaboration tools, encompassing a variety of data types: audio, video, images, chats, AI-generated content, and more. As these tools evolve, they continually reshape our approach to e-discovery, presenting fresh challenges and raising crucial questions. What should we be focused on amidst this data diversity? How can we adeptly search, review, and produce such varied content? Join us for an insightful dialogue on navigating these complexities and seizing opportunities to streamline the management of modern data with efficiency and precision — from preservation and collection to review, analysis, and production.
Speakers: Ann Marie Lane, Senior Manager, Law Firm Strategy and Marketing, Relativity; Jenya Moshkovich, Genentech; Monette Smith, Director of Technology and Consulting Services, Alston & Bird LLP (Alston Discovery); Justin Day, Director – Office of Litigation Technology, Internal Revenue Service – Office of the Chief Counsel; Driss Mechiche, Director – Data Risk and Privacy, PwC.
Exploring EDRM Innovations: Project Team Showcases & Open Calls for Contributors, Grand Hall MN
We invite you to join EDRM for a dynamic and engaging discussion during Relativity Fest. This panel is designed to highlight the pioneering work being done by various EDRM project teams.
The panel will offer an exclusive look into the latest advancements and accomplishments in eDiscovery, AI, information governance and more. Leaders from EDRM project teams will present their recent work, diving into their processes, methodologies, challenges faced, and their innovative solutions.
But this isn’t just a showcase – it’s also an invitation. Each presenter will also make an open call for new contributors to their project, should they need new contributors- providing a unique opportunity for attendees to get involved in cutting-edge EDRM work.
Prospective contributors will gain insights into the specific needs and collaboration opportunities within each project, offering a direct route to meaningful participation in the EDRM community.
This is an exceptional chance to hear from the innovators shaping the future of eDiscovery and beyond, understand the current landscape of eDiscovery, and potentially find a project that aligns with your own professional interests and aspirations. Whether you’re an industry veteran, a novice eager to contribute, or someone interested in the intersection of law and technology, this discussion is sure to inspire and motivate.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this vital conversation, helping shape the future of eDiscovery and beyond. Join us, explore the ongoing projects, and you may just find the perfect opportunity to further engage with the Global EDRM Project Community. *Created with assistance from GenAI*
Speakers: Mary Mack, CEO, EDRM; Kaylee Walstad, Chief Strategy Officer, EDRM; Craig Ball, Craig D Ball, PC; Beth Patterson, Director & Founder, ESPConnect; Manfred Gabriel, Holland & Knight LLP; Charisma Starr, JPMorgan Chase; Stephanie Clerkin, Director of Litigation Support, Korein Tillery; Shannon Bales, Senior Manager of Litigation Support, Munger, Tolles and Olson; Cristin Traylor, (she/her), Senior Director, AI Transformation & Law Firm Strategy, Relativity; David Cohen, Partner, Reed Smith.
1:00 PM-2:00 PM CT
Case Law Update, Regency D
Learn about everything from the legal status of hyperlinks to the continuing impact of artificial intelligence on the law at Relativity Fest’s Case Law Update. Join us for this continuing legal education (CLE) program reviewing recent case law in the fields of e-discovery law and related legal disciples with Judge Allison Goddard providing the view from the bench, the Honorable Andrew Peck and eDiscovery Today Editor Doug Austin sharing some of their top picks from EDRM’s Important eDiscovery Case Law Decisions, ESI Attorneys Principal and eDiscovery Assistant CEO Kelly Twigger with selections from the ACEDS-eDiscovery Assistant Case of the Week, and Moderator David Horrigan of Relativity sharing selections from his annual Data Discovery Legal Year in Review. The team will review and analyze important legal decisions over the last year and let you know how these cases will affect you, your practice, and your entire organization.
Speakers: David Horrigan, Discovery Counsel & Legal Education Director, Relativity; U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Goddard, U.S. District Court; Doug Austin, Editor, eDiscovery Today; Honorable Andrew Peck, Senior Counsel, DLA Piper; Kelly Twigger, CEO and Founder, eDiscovery Assistant.
2:15 PM-3:00 PM CT
Better Together: Pair Case Management with e-Discovery for Better Litigation Outcomes, Grand Hall IJ
By integrating e-discovery capabilities with leading case management software, firms are transforming how they prepare for every case. During this session, you’ll discover how this technology combination empowers litigation teams to better analyze evidence; uncover connections between people, facts, and events; develop the most compelling case strategy, narrative, and much more.
Speakers: Kim Bookout, Director, Solution Consulting, Opus 2; Ari Kaplan, Ari Kaplan Advisors.
How Legal Wins Budget and Influences Stakeholders, Regency C
When risk mitigation alone isn’t enough to win over the C-suite, how do you translate the work you do into the value you can create for your organization? Meet the practitioners who are reframing the jobs to be done with the Legal Data Intelligence (LDI) model — the industry’s first holistic framework to tackle the underlying data challenges getting in the way of legal professionals. During this session, you’ll learn how to use the LDI framework to elevate your team’s value, how to make a business case for LDI resources, and how the LDI model has led to new roles and career pathways for legal professionals. You’ll walk away with real-world examples from those who have been in your shoes and are now making a big impact with LDI.
Speakers: Farrah Pepper, Chief Legal Innovation Counsel, Marsh McLennan; Scott Milner, Partner, Morgan Lewis; Kelly Friedman, Chief LDI Officer and Senior Counsel, Heuristica Discovery Counsel LLP; Sarah Bennington, Senior Legal Counsel, Qualcomm.
3:30 PM-4:15 PM CT
Deepfakes in e-Discovery: A Joint Framework for Solutions, Regency C
Claims of deepfake legal evidence are already surfacing in U.S. courts (United States v. Guy Wesley Reffitt, United States v. Anthony Williams, United States v. Joshua Christopher Doolin, and Sz Huang et al v. Tesla, Inc. et al). The rapid advancement of generative AI technology enables the creation and proliferation of high-quality deepfake evidence quickly and at minimal or no cost and can find its way to any legal dispute. This presents a pressing issue, as legal practitioners, juries, judges, and even forensic experts can no longer trust their senses to evaluate the authenticity of digital legal evidence. The deepfake challenge is further exacerbated by the growing prevalence of audio and video files in legal proceedings. Recent statistics by Relativity indicate a 40% year-over-year growth in audio files and a 130% growth in video files on the Relativity platform. During this session, experts will shift the perspective from the problem space toward a solution-based approach. Panelists will introduce a new framework for collaborative solutions and discuss how leveraging technology can mitigate the risks posed by deepfake evidence and preserve the trust and the integrity of our justice system.
Speakers: Chris Haley, VP, Practice Empowerment aiR, Relativity; Gil Avriel, Co-Founder, CSO & COO, Clarity; Jerry Bui, Founder & CEO, Right Forensics; Mary Mack, CEO, EDRM; Stephen Dooley, Director of Electronic Discovery and Litigation Support, Sullivan & Cromwell.
Legal Costs and Access to Justice, Regency D
Here’s your chance to be part of law school class at Relativity Fest as students join us remotely to learn about legal costs and access to justice. Access to justice has many components, but perhaps none is more fundamental than legal costs, which represents a fundamental—often insurmountable—barrier for many people. In this program, we’ll examine research data on legal costs and access to justice, the Honorable James Francis will discuss the possibilities offered by alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration, and Dr. Victoria McCloud will provide perspective from the United Kingdom, including a so-called “winner takes all” civil system. Judge Michelle Rick will provide a judicial perspective as we welcome her law students to the program, and we’ll look at opportunities for progress with Relativity’s Justice for Change program.
Speakers: Dr. Victoria McCloud, Dr, Judge, England and Wales (Ret.); Judge Michelle Rick, Judge, Michigan Court of Appeals; Honorable James Francis, JAMS, and U.S. Magistrate Judge (Ret.); Beth Clutterbuck, CHRO, Relativity; David Horrigan, Discovery Counsel & Legal Education Director, Relativity; Isha Marathe, ALM Media.
In addition to all these sessions, there’s a Networking Event: Enchanted Circus at Navy Pier from 7:00PM-11:00PM!
Pricing is available here for either in-person or digital pass, with registration links for each option as well. If you’re here at the conference, say hi!
So, what do you think? Which Relativity Fest 2024 Thursday sessions are you attending? Please share any comments you might have or if you’d like to know more about a particular topic.
Disclaimer: The views represented herein are exclusively the views of the author, and do not necessarily represent the views held by my employer, my partners or my clients. eDiscovery Today is made available solely for educational purposes to provide general information about general eDiscovery principles and not to provide specific legal advice applicable to any particular circumstance. eDiscovery Today should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a lawyer you have retained and who has agreed to represent you.