Relativity Fest 2025 continues today, with sessions all day! Here’s what you can expect from Relativity Fest 2025 Wednesday sessions!

The conference is being conducted at the Hyatt Regency Chicago for the fourth straight year and began yesterday with afternoon sessions and activities, before a full day today and tomorrow. As usual, I’ll be covering educational sessions at the conference and reporting on whatever else seems interesting. Here are Relativity Fest 2025 Wednesday sessions of note (including one I’m in!):

9:00 AM-10:15 AM CT

Relativity Fest Chicago Keynote, Grand Ballroom

If you’ve got unanswered questions about Relativity, our product, or our people, the opening keynote is a must. Join CEO Phil Saunders as he brings the community up to speed on legal data past, present, and future – and get exciting Relativity updates.

Speakers: Chris Brown, Chief Product Officer, Relativity; Chris Haley, Vice President, Practice Empowerment, aiR, Relativity; Lindsey Lanier, Director, Product Management, Relativity; Phil Saunders, Program Manager, Office of the CEO, Relativity; Elise Tropiano, Relativity, Jim Witte, Director, Product Management, Relativity.

10:45 AM-11:30 AM CT

Empowering Communities Through Legal Data Intelligence, Crystal C

Legal Data Intelligence is more than a model for legal work – it’s also a gateway to improving access to justice. In this session, explore how Legal Data Intelligence can empower and drive equitable outcomes for underserved communities. You’ll hear from industry experts as they share real-world case studies, innovative tools, and strategies for bridging the justice gap. Attendees will discover how their own work and advocacy can contribute to initiatives that promote fairness and inclusion in the legal system.

Speakers: Kristen Floyd, Director, Strategic Engagements, Cimplifi, Renee Quezada, Director of Operations, IntrepidX, Melissa Weberman, Counsel & Head of eData, Arnold & Porter, Nicole Allen, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP.

Finding the Facts Faster: AI-Powered Entity Extraction in Modern Discovery, Grand Hall IJ

This panel explores how Generative AI is revolutionizing entity extraction, moving beyond the limitations of traditional rule-based tools to deliver more accurate and context-aware results from massive document sets. Our experts will discuss leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) to identify key people, organizations, and timelines crucial for building case narratives and responding to second requests. Attendees will gain practical insights into implementing these advanced AI techniques to accelerate document review, enhance case strategy, and reduce overall discovery costs.

Speakers: John Brewer, HaystackID, Young Yu, Vice President of Advanced Analytics & Strategic Solutions, HaystackID, Kelly Atherton, Counsel, Norton Rose Fulbright, Dr. Roee Shraga, Assistant Professor (Computer Science and Data Science), Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

10:45 AM-11:45 AM CT

AI in the Courtroom: A Mock Argument on Generative AI for Document Review, Regency C

This session may be CLE eligible.

No court has yet issued an opinion on the use of generative AI for document review and production – what does that mean for its use now? Join us for a mock argument before the court where plaintiff and defense counsel will go head-to-head arguing for and against the use of Relativity aiR for Review in their case. The judge will issue a ruling and then the audience will get a chance to weigh in.

Speakers: Scott Milner, Partner, Morgan Lewis, Honorable Andrew Peck, Senior Counsel, DLA Piper, Michelle Six, Gunster, Cristin Traylor, Senior Director, AI Transformation and Law Firm Strategy, Relativity.

1:00 PM-2:00 PM CT

The 12th Annual Relativity Fest Judicial Panel, Grand Ballroom

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the 2015 e-discovery amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. As we’ve gone from the Era of Electronically Stored Information to the Era of Artificial Intelligence, have the 2015 Amendments stood the test of time?  Has AI made the 2015 amendments obsolete? Join us for our annual gathering of some of the leading jurists in data law, as we examine pressing issues in e-discovery specifically and legal data intelligence generally. What challenges has AI brought to compliance with ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.1 for technological competence?  How active should judges be in the discovery process? Should judges be referees in ESI protocols or even AI protocols?  What about preserving attorney-client privilege and the protections of the work product doctrine the Era of AI? What are the differences in federal and state court and before tribunals in other nations? Join us for our annual engaging discussion with the judges on these issues and more.

Speakers: David Horrigan, Discovery Counsel & Legal Education Director, Relativity; U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Goddard, U.S. District Court; Hon. Justice Tanya R. Kennedy, Associate Justice, Appellate Division, First Department; U.S. Magistrate Judge William Matthewman, Chief United States Magistrate Judge, United States Courts; U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez, U.S. District Judge, Western District of Texas.

2:30 PM-3:15 PM CT

Buying Breach: Your Essential Guide to Smarter Breach Response Procurement, Crystal A

Law firms and legal service providers play a critical role in breach response—but navigating both the procurement process and the response workflow can be challenging. This session offers practical insights into selecting the right partners and managing the full lifecycle of a breach. Learn how to avoid common procurement pitfalls, evaluate vendor proposals beyond cost, and manage shifting timelines and budgets. Panelists will also walk through key stages of breach response—from triage to notification—highlighting legal and regulatory considerations throughout. Whether advising clients or leading response efforts, you’ll leave better equipped to act decisively when a breach occurs.

Speakers: Kevin Bannon, Head of CMS Evidence, CMS UK, Josh Franks, Cyber Practice Leader, Morae, Matt Preyss, Senior Manager, Product Marketing, Relativity, Eloris Snyder, Director, eData Managed Review Operations, Morgan Lewis.

Empathy and Fluency: Leading and Thriving in an AI-Driven, Tech-Forward World, Crystal C

In an era where AI and rapid technological advancements are transforming the workplace, retaining a human-centric approach to leadership and fostering digital fluency are essential for success. This panel will delve into strategies for maintaining empathy, trust, and connection while navigating the complexities of an AI-enhanced environment. Explore how individuals and businesses can master the ever-changing digital landscape, equipping themselves with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive and evolve.

Speakers: Aurora Bryant, Senior Legal Data Intelligence Lead, Relativity, Julie Heller, Vice President, Sales, Lighthouse, Olga Mack, CEO, TermScout, Savrut Pandya, Relativity, Jennifer Westropp, Global Head of Talent and Community Enablement, Relativity.

Smarter Moves: The Impact of AI and Tech on Client Relationships and Practice Growth, Grand Hall IJ

In the rapidly evolving world of litigation and commercial disputes, top-performing law firms are leaning into technology and AI—not just to increase efficiency, but to deepen client relationships and grow their practices. In this timely session, legal industry analyst Ari Kaplan shares emerging themes from new research exploring how law firm leaders and litigation professionals are thinking about tech and AI through the dispute lifecycle. 

The session will examine the role innovation plays in helping firms enhance collaboration, earn greater client trust, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Whether you’re looking to improve client engagement or support a growing litigation practice, this session will illuminate the benefits—and challenges—of leveraging the latest tech and AI to deliver greater value, improve transparency, and strengthen strategic alignment with clients. 

Speakers: Ari Kaplan, Principal, Ari Kaplan.

2:30 PM-3:30 PM CT

The e-Discovery State of the Union, Regency C

A popular program at Relativity Fest for over a decade, the e-Discovery State of the Union brings together the media and the law, where leading journalists, lawyers, judges, technologists, and other industry experts discuss the top e-discovery law and legal data issues affecting your work, your practice, and even your life outside the office. In our traditional game show format moderated by Relativity’s David Horrigan, this CLE class is open to all, and we call the State of the Union “substantive fun” because you’ll come away learning important information from legal experts and legal media leaders.

Speakers: Robert Ambrogi, Publisher, LawSites/LawNext; Meribeth Banaschik, Equity Partner, Europe West Innovation Leader, EY GmbH & Co KG WPG; Greg Buckles, Analyst/Consultant, eDJ Group; Rhys Dipshan, Editor-in-Chief, Legal Technology, Law.com / ALM Media; Jessica Tseng Hasen, Senior Counsel, Head of E-Discovery Practice, Perkins Coie; David Horrigan, Discovery Counsel & Legal Education Director, Relativity; Ryan O’Leary, Research Director, IDC; Joe Patrice, Senior Editor, Above the Law; Emma Young, Regional Manager (APAC) – Electronic Data Management, DLA Piper.

3:20 PM-3:40 PM CT

Voices of Justice: A Fest Spotlight on Change Champions, Spotlight Stage, Community Pavilion, Riverside

Join us for a live podcast-style segment celebrating the inspiring voices behind Justice for Change. In this 20-minute spotlight, we’ll hear directly from program participants and champions attending Fest — individuals who are driving impact through pro bono legal work and community advocacy. Their stories reflect the heart of our mission and the power of purpose-driven partnerships. This session offers a unique opportunity to amplify their voices, share lived experiences, and energize attendees around the transformative potential of Justice for Change.

Speakers: Josh Williams, Director of Operations, Everest Discovery, Jaclyn Sattler, Relativity, Johnathan Hill, Community Engagement Lead, Relativity.

3:45 PM-4:30 PM CT

Future-Proofing Corporate Legal with Innovation and AI, Grand Hall IJ

This session is focused on providing practical guidance for corporate legal departments adopting and operationalizing the Gen AI features of aiR. The foundation set by corporate teams today – from identifying key use cases, building up internal expertise, demonstrating value and innovating on yet-to-emerge matter types – will help determine the team’s agility and resilience for the next decade.

Speakers: Danielle T. Davidson, Head Strategic Advisor, Advanced E-Discovery and A.I. Strategy Group, Ropes & Gray LLP, Jon Chan, Senior Managing Director, FTI Consulting, Wendy King, Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting, FTI Consulting.

Going MA(&)D: Surviving Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures & Managing The Contracts That Come With Them, Crystal B

In this panel, members of the LDI corporate team will offer a practical overview of an LDI approach to handling Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures (MA&D), highlighting key challenges and solutions. The discussion will emphasize the pivotal role of contracts in MA&D transactions, sharing best practices for contract review, due diligence, and integration. Attendees will gain actionable insights—and an understanding of the LDI team’s specialized toolkits—to help them navigate and manage the complexities of corporate deals and the contracts that underpin them.

Programmed by members of the Legal Data Intelligence project.

Speakers: Odette Claridge, Engagement Manager, ProSearch, Tara Lawler, Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, Virginia Ring, Principal, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, Josh Kreamer, Founder/CEO, Seedless.

Rising Above the Regulatory Storm: A Conversation for In-House Teams, Crystal A

In today’s world of unprecedented regulatory uncertainty, in-house teams are finding themselves at the intersection of crisis and opportunity. Headlines announcing policy shifts seem to emerge weekly and tactics legal departments have typically relied on to mitigate risk, like horizon scanning, are increasingly difficult. The regulatory uncertainty and risk are just another mounting pressure on legal departments, particularly in fast-moving areas like AI and data privacy. For highly regulated organizations, the stakes are even higher. Despite all the change, it’s clear that innovative legal technology, particularly AI, will be a critical tool for legal teams. In this session, you’ll learn how to rise above these regulatory challenges, and unlock the full potential of AI in legal.

Speakers: Peter Chan, Partner, Baker McKenzie, Bryan Foster, Principal, Deloitte, Amanda Sabia, Director, Sales Engineering, Relativity.

3:45 PM-4:45 PM CT

Case Law Update, Regency C

In the Case Law Update, we’ll examine recent court decisions in data law, including e-discovery and related legal data intelligence areas. With perspectives from the bench, the bar, legal academia, and the legal media, we’ll analyze some of the year’s noteworthy court decisions, examine trends in e-discovery decisions, and continue our tradition of each speaker selecting a “Topic of the Year,” examining cases that illustrate how clients are handling and, on occasion, spoliating data as well as decisions that may have a substantial impact on the law.

Speakers: Doug Austin, Editor, eDiscovery Today; U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Goddard, U.S. District Court; Professor William Hamilton, Master Legal Skills Professor, University of Florida Levin College of Law; David Horrigan, Discovery Counsel & Legal Education Director, Relativity; Kelly Twigger, CEO and Founder, Minerva26.

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 2025 Wednesday 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.