Legalweek 2025 continues today with the final full day of sessions! Here are the Wednesday Legalweek 2025 sessions to check out!

Legalweek 2025 is being conducted this week through Thursday. As always, it will be held at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. Here’s the detailed agenda for the conference. I also published a word cloud based on the agenda Sunday to give you a sense of the topics in this year’s conference.

You can still register for Legalweek 2025 here and the pricing is here. Each day, I’ll cover what’s going on at the conference in terms of sessions related to eDiscovery, information governance, cybersecurity, data privacy and artificial intelligence – so much so, I’d have to clone myself to catch them all!

Sessions

With that in mind, here’s a list of the Wednesday Legalweek 2025 sessions of note you may want to check out, along with the location (all times ET):

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

State of the Industry Hosted by ALM (Grand Ballroom)

The Legalweek State of the Industry, presented annually by ALM Intelligence, leverages data, insight, and analysis to provide a holistic assessment of the current state of the global legal market. From examining key trends and risks to identifying where opportunity lies moving forward, the presentation brings together a diverse range of perspectives from all areas of the legal market. This includes law firms and legal departments as well as alternative legal service providers and legal tech.

Speakers

• Heather Nevitt – ALM
• Patrick Fuller – ALM

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

View from the Bench: Decoding the Ethics and Discovery Rules in the World of AI, Cybersecurity, and the Data Deluge (Grand Ballroom)

The Judicial roundtable is back and better than ever. We’ve assembled a distinguished panel of judicial leaders from across the nation to offer their expert insights and fresh perspectives on today’s most pressing issues in discovery and litigation. This dynamic plenary will explore emerging litigation trends, analyze landmark cases, and the ever growing challenges associated with AI in the courtroom. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments from the very experts shaping the future of the field while understanding a practitioners requirements to meet the mandate of Model Rule 1.1 on  Competence,  Rule 1.6 on Confidentiality of Information and Rule 5.3 on Responsibilities Regarding Non-lawyer Assistants.

Speakers

• Hon. Willie Epps, Jr. – U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
• Hon. Kimberly Priest Johnson (Ret.) – Shook, Hardy & Bacon
• Hon. Andrew Peck (Ret.) – DLA Piper
• Patrick Oot – Shook, Hardy & Bacon
• Hon. Allison Goddard – U.S. District Court
• Hon. Rukhsanah Singh – United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

HSR Filings Under Scrutiny: Navigating the Complexities of M&A Investigations (Sutton Center)

With heightened regulatory oversight and recent changes to the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act filing requirements, M&A investigations are becoming increasingly complex. This session will explore the latest enforcement trends, the practical implications of new HSR rules, and how companies can prepare for and navigate evolving regulatory challenges. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for HSR compliance, strategies for managing second requests, and the potential impact of increased scrutiny on deal timelines and outcomes. Discussion topics include:

Key considerations for legal teams to mitigate risk and ensure successful M&A transactions

• The latest changes in HSR filing requirements and their implications for M&A transactions
• Strategies for effectively managing second requests during antitrust investigations
• Best practices for ensuring HSR compliance to minimize regulatory risk
• The potential impact of increased HSR scrutiny on deal timelines and outcomes

Speakers:

• Neely B. Agin, Head of Antitrust and Competition, United States, Norton Rose Fulbright
• Oral Pottinger, Partner, Mayer Brown LLP
• Patrick Bradford, Partner, Bradford Edwards LLP
• Eric Robinson, Vice President, Global Advisory Services & Strategic Solutions, KLDiscovery Ontrack LLC

Navigating the AI Revolution: Strategic Insights and Innovations (Petit Trianon)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing fundamental aspects of business operations, making it essential to understand its impact on future success. In this forward-looking panel discussion, delve into how you can leverage cutting-edge products to steer your AI journey effectively. Join industry experts as they share insights on strategic approaches, address common challenges, and highlight the latest AI innovations. Discover the profound implications these advancements will have for your organization and equip yourself to navigate the transformative AI shift with confidence.

Speakers:

• Nisha Narasimhan, Principal Product Manager, Microsoft
• Nicole Langston, Vice President, Senior eDiscovery Counsel, Barclays
• Jessica Escalera, Head of Legal Operations – Americas, HSBC
• Robert Keeling, Partner, Redgrave LLP

Using Gen AI in Document Review: A Brave New World (Rendezvous Trianon)

Generative AI has finally become available for use in legal document review.  Much like TAR could, it can be leveraged to speed up human review work, to reduce the amount of human review work needed, or to provide a quality control check on human review work.  Beyond TAR, however, Gen AI can provide not just review scores but rationales, not just privilege tags but descriptions, not just clusters but summaries.  And that may be just the beginning of how it can be leveraged.  In this program, leading experts in legal document review will discuss how they are leveraging Gen AI in their review work, what lessons they’ve learned, and what they see on the horizon.  Discussion topics will include:

• The role of classifiers in document review workflows and how GenAI fits in
• The importance of three kinds of expertise for ensuring safe and effective use
• Validation methodologies, including sampling, control sets, and elusion testing

Speakers:

• Harsha Kurpad, Antitrust eDiscovery Counsel, Latham & Watkins
• Emily Collins, Senior Information Governance Attorney, Southwest Airlines
• Michelle Briggs, Partner, Goodwin Procter LLP
• Lindsay Shahady, Senior Vice President, Consilio
• Matthew Bohn, Senior Counsel, Amgen

AI and Litigation Preparedness: Real-Time Insights for Case Readiness and Response (Trianon Ballroom)

Staying ahead in litigation means more than just keeping up—it requires the ability to anticipate and adapt in real-time. This session will explore how AI-driven tools are transforming litigation preparedness, providing legal teams with critical insights that empower them to stay agile and ready for any shift in case strategy or unexpected development. By leveraging AI to streamline case management and enhance data-driven decision-making, legal professionals can gain a significant advantage, ensuring they are always equipped to respond with precision and confidence in high-stakes litigation. Discussion topics include:

• How AI tools are revolutionizing litigation strategy by providing real-time insights that allow legal teams to swiftly adapt to shifting case dynamics and unexpected developments
• How AI is optimizing case management processes, from data analysis and document review to predictive analytics, ultimately enhancing readiness for even the most complex legal challenges
• How lawyers are elevating decision-making utilizing AI to enable a more precise assessment of risks and opportunities, empowering legal teams to respond proactively to evolving litigation scenarios

Speakers:

• Michael Zogby, Attorney, Barnes & Thornburg LLP
• David Stanton, Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
• Mhare Mouradian, Partner, Husch Blackwell
• Carla Rydholm, GM & Head of Product Lex Machina, LexisNexis
• Catherine Bernard, Director of Knowledge Management – Litigation, McDermott Will & Emery LLP

Preserving Attorney-Client Privilege in the Digital Age: Ethical Duties and Practical Strategies (Beekman)

Protecting attorney-client privilege has become more complex, and attorneys face heightened risks of inadvertently waiving privilege. This session will explore lawyers’ ethical responsibilities in safeguarding privileged information, particularly in digital environments. The session will provide practical strategies for maintaining privilege while complying with ethical guidelines.

Discussion topics include:

• Common technological challenges to preserving privilege, including inadvertent disclosures, third-party data breaches, and vulnerabilities in digital communication platforms
• How AI tools used in eDiscovery and document review can complicate privilege determinations, potentially revealing privileged materials unintentionally
• The importance of training staff on the ethical use of technology, ensuring that everyone from junior attorneys to IT personnel understands how to prevent privilege from being waived
• Challenges of cross-border legal practice, where differing data privacy laws and ethical rules can pose risks to maintaining privilege

Speakers:

• Ashley Picker Dubin, Counsel, Day Pitney LLP
• Angela Desaulniers, E-Discovery Counsel, Covington & Burling
• Matthew Ridings, Partner, Benesch
• Jessie Torres, Chief Strategic Counsel, McDermott Will & Emery
• Andrew Denney, Bureau Chief – New York Law Journal, ALM Global

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

When You Can’t Believe What You See: The Rise of Deepfakes and Generative AI (Rendezvous Trianon)

All is not always as it appears – especially in the realm of electronically-stored information.  It has always been possible for ESI to be deliberately altered or entirely fabricated, but in recent years, new machine learning techniques have made it possible for computers to produce a tsunami of fake images, fake audio recordings, and fake video recordings with disturbing quality and ease.  First came “deepfakes” that enabled amateurs using personal computers to replace the original faces or voices in video or audio recordings with new ones, using publicly-available machine-learning algorithms trained using online source media.  Next came cloud-based generative AI tools, which allow for images and videos to be generated automatically from text prompts.  This looming tsunami of artificial content will likely pose real challenges to our current discovery processes, from new opportunities to inadvertently rely on something altered or unreal, to new opportunities for intentional spoliation or fabrication, to new technical and legal authentication challenges.  In this program, a group of expert practitioners will discuss these new challenges and how we can prepare for them.

• Learn the difference between deepfake tools, large language models, and other generative AI content sources
• Gain an understanding of the potential risks  of such materials in discovery and how you can work to mitigate them
• Consider how the existence of these technologies may undermine even legitimate video and audio evidence

Speakers:

• Maura Grossman, Research Professor, University of Waterloo
• Cal Yeaman, Project Attorney, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
• Xavier Diokno, SVP Innovations & Solutions, Consilio
• Matt Moses, Vice President & eDiscovery Counsel, Vice President & eDiscovery Counsel
• Danielle Panetta, Counsel, Goodwin Procter LLP

Tackling Risk with a Future Ready eDiscovery Program (Sutton South)

In today’s data-driven world, organizations face increasing legal and regulatory risks associated with data management, compliance, and litigation that will continue to evolve. A well-implemented and agile eDiscovery program can be a game-changer, enabling legal teams to proactively address these challenges. This session will explore how establishing a comprehensive eDiscovery program mitigates risk, streamlines processes, reduces costs, and enhances compliance. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for developing and maintaining an eDiscovery strategy that is impactful today and can adapt to future challenges. Discussion topics include:

• Strategies for integrating eDiscovery with broader risk management initiatives, improving compliance, and reducing overall legal spend through more efficient data handling practices
• How the rise of collaboration platforms, hyperlinked documents, and generative AI outputs are reshaping legal teams’ approach to data governance and risk mitigation
• How to implement effective eDiscovery workflows that are scalable; and ensure timely and defensible data collection, processing, and review, while minimizing exposure to potential litigation pitfalls

Speakers:

• Vanessa Quaciari, Sr. eDiscovery Counsel, Baker Botts LLP
• Susan Stone, Director – Discovery Technology, AT&T
• Francine French, Director, Global E-Discovery Operations, GSK
• Julie Heller, Vice President of Sales, Lighthouse

Thinking Beyond Document Review: Examining AI’s Expanded Role in Modern Discovery (Trianon Ballroom)

The role of AI in legal discovery has grown far beyond traditional document review, now encompassing a wide range of capabilities that fundamentally change how legal teams approach modern discovery. This session will explore AI’s expanded influence, from early case assessment and data analytics to identifying key facts and patterns that shape litigation strategy. Attendees will gain insights into how AI tools can streamline complex workflows, uncover hidden insights within vast data sets, and empower legal teams to make smarter, faster decisions throughout the discovery process. Discussion topics include:

• The expanded capabilities of AI in discovery, including advanced data analytics, early case assessment, and identification of key information beyond traditional document review
• How AI is streamlining complex discovery workflows, reducing time and costs while increasing accuracy and efficiency
• How to leverage AI to uncover hidden insights within data, enabling proactive and strategic decision-making throughout the discovery process

Speakers:

• Todd Itami, Of Counsel, Covington
• Melissa Dalziel, Counsel, Alston & Bird
• Miguel Villalobos, Senior Director of Integrated AI & eDiscovery, Integreon
• Kathleen Mcconnell, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Get the Right Cooks in the Kitchen: How Collaboration Across Your Firm’s Business Functions Can Deliver the Best Results for Your Clients (Murray Hill East)

Are silos within your firm hindering efficiency and innovation? This session will delve into valuable strategies to break down functional silos and harness the expertise of “non-lawyers” to create a streamlined, collaborative powerhouse. Learn from real practitioners who have successfully leveraged diverse skills sets to unlock the full potential of their teams and deliver better outcomes to clients.

Join us to learn how to:

• Overcome internal barriers that hinder efficiency
• Leverage the expertise of every member of your team to drive innovation
• Foster a culture of collaboration to maintain your firm’s competitive edge

Speakers:

• Katie DeBord, VP, Product Strategy, CS DISCO
• Kay Kim, Chief Practice Innovation Officer, Paul Hastings LLP
• Wendy Butler Curtis, Chief Innovation Officer, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
• Nicholas Pryor, Director of Knowledge & Innovation, Freeths LLP

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Human Oversight in the Digital Age: Enhancing Communication, Collaboration and Accountability (Trianon Ballroom)

As technology continues to evolve in the realm of eDiscovery, litigation parties must grapple with the balance between collaboration and independence in managing technology-assisted review workflows. This panel will delve into the nuanced challenges of transparency, disclosure obligations, and maintaining defensible processes while addressing evolving tools like generative AI.

This session will tackle real-world examples of how to meet discovery obligations while minimizing risks, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and fostering effective collaboration among stakeholders. Attendees will gain actionable insights into balancing innovation with practicality in today’s complex litigation landscape. Discussion topics include:

• Structured Oversight Protocols: Defining practical approaches to ensure accountability and quality control without overcomplicating workflows
• Disclosure and Transparency Dynamics: Exploring when and how to disclose methodologies and tools, such as TAR or generative AI, while protecting privileged and strategic work product
• Collaboration Challenges: Managing client communication, multi-party litigation dynamics, and the interplay of technological tools with legal obligations
• Generative AI and Emerging Case Law: Analyzing the legal and ethical considerations surrounding AI usage, including debates on disclosure of prompts, seed sets, and QC methodologies

Speakers:

• Karen Steel, Partner, Schindler Cohen & Hochman LLP
• Monette Smith, Director of Technology and Consulting Services, Alston & Bird LLP
• Jeffrey Chivers, CEO, Syllo
• Daniel Stromberg, Partner – eDiscovery Counsel, Outten & Golden LLP
• Martha Louks, Director of Technology Services, McDermott Will & Emery

AI in Action: Driving ROI and Innovation in eDiscovery (Murray Hill East)

In today’s data-driven legal landscape, the sheer volume of e-discovery drives organizations to find innovative solutions that not only enhance efficiency but also deliver measurable returns on investment. This panel, “AI in Action: Driving ROI and Innovation in E-Discovery,” will bring together industry experts and practitioners who have successfully implemented or are actively pursuing AI technologies in their e-discovery processes.

Panelists will share compelling examples that highlight how AI can and has transformed their approach to data processing, review, and analysis. Attendees will learn about specific use cases where AI has streamlined workflows, reduced costs, and improved accuracy, ultimately leading to significant ROI. The discussion will also explore the strategic considerations involved in adopting these technologies, including integration challenges, change management, and best practices for maximizing benefits.

Join Nuix and industry experts for an engaging session that will provide actionable insights and real-world examples, empowering legal professionals to harness AI to not only tackle current e-discovery challenges but also drive long-term business value.

Speakers:

• Stephen Stewart, Field Chief Technology Officer, Nuix
• Caroline Sweeney, Chief Knowledge & Innovation Officer, Dorsey & Whitney LLP
• Kayann Fitzgerald, Director of eDiscovery & Practice Technologies, Davis Wright Tremaine
• Chris Stephenson, Head of AI Strategy & Operations, Nuix
• Daniel Szabo, Senior Director of Innovation, DWT

Mastering Data Retention and Deletion: Strategies for Risk Management (Beekman)

This session will explore advanced strategies for data retention and deletion, crucial aspects of information governance that pose significant challenges for law firms and corporate legal departments. Panelists will discuss the legal and regulatory requirements surrounding data retention, the risks associated with over-retention, and the operational difficulties in implementing effective data deletion practices. Attendees will gain insights into developing robust data retention policies, deploying automated deletion technologies, and balancing compliance demands with operational efficiency. Discussion topics include:

• Evolving legal and regulatory requirements for data retention and deletion in various jurisdictions
• Risks associated with data over-retention and strategies to mitigate them
• How to develop and implement effective data retention and deletion policies using advanced technologies

Speakers:

• Martin Tully, Partner, Redgrave LLP
• Adam Jurist, eDiscovery Counsel, Munger, Tolles & Olson, LLP
• Rudy Moliere, Director of Information Governance, Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft
• Lisa Lukaszewski, Of Counsel, Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart
• Jill Moretto, Director, Global Information Governance Operations, GSK
• Christine Simmons, Editor, Business of Law, ALM Global

Messaging Challenges: Chatter, Chatter Everywhere (Rendezvous Trianon)

Never have so many messaging devices, apps, and services been available to employees, and their use is on the rise.  More and more work communications are taking place in collaboration tools and messaging apps, including ephemeral messaging apps.  These myriad messaging options can create significant identification, preservation, and collection challenges, from special collection methods for documenting ephemeral messages, to special unitization challenges for message threads, to special investigation efforts to identify off-channel communications.  In this program, experienced practitioners will discuss the importance of understanding this range of messaging channels, the unique discovery and compliance challenges they create, and the optimal processes for handling them.  Discussion topics will include:

• The current range of messaging channels available to employees, including ephemeral messaging apps
• The preservation and collection challenges posed by collaboration tools, ephemeral messages, and more
• The “soft skills” involved in navigating collections from personal devices and accounts

Speakers:

• Vanessa Barsanti, Partner, Litigation, Kirkland & Ellis, LLP
• Dawn Garza, Sr. Project Manager/Practice Technologies, Venable, LLP
• Constance Mockaitis, Director, eDiscovery Operations, AbbVie
• Liz Erickson, Senior Director, Discovery Solutions Consulting, Consilio LLC
• Mikki Tomlinson, eDiscovery Project Manager, Jacobs
• Kelli Stenstrom, Director & Associate General Counsel, Deutsche Bank AG, NY Branch

In addition to these Wednesday Legalweek 2025 sessions, there’s a few more happy hours and other events. It’s a Legalweek tradition!

So, what do you think of the Wednesday Legalweek 2025 sessions?  Are you attending Legalweek 2025 this week? If so and if you see me, say hi!  And 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 authors and speakers themselves, 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.