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3 I L T A N E T . O R G F R O M T H E E D I T O R Welcome to the 2024 Fall issue of Peer to Peer! Two months ago, there was palpable excitement pulsing through the legal tech community as ILTAns around the globe prepared for their journeys to the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN, for one of the most anticipated events of the year – ILTACON. The legendary event that, for over 40 years, has created a sacred space for professionals within the legal tech industry to gather as colleagues instead of competitors, to share knowledge, learn from each other, forge new and strengthen existing relationships, and celebrate the comradery that is a hallmark of this community. ILTACON. Seasoned veterans who've made the pilgrimage dozens of times over the past decades as attendees, session speakers, business partners, sponsors, volunteers, and staff share their ILTACON stories year-round. Newcomers to the community watch their colleagues' faces glow with enthusiasm and gratitude as they reminisce about the events, educational sessions, community-building activities, opportunities, and life-changing relationships they've experienced in previous years. But regardless of how many stories a newcomer to the community hears from others, nothing compares to the lived experience of participating in this awe-inspiring event! Legal tech newbies who embark on their first sojourn to the annual gathering quickly realize that what we've been told is true – you'll always remember your first ILTACON. Whether you are a seasoned legal tech veteran or a newcomer to the field, this Peer to Peer features articles addressing one of the most pivotal queries currently circulating through the professional collective – How will the legal tech landscape evolve as it expands to include the influx of new voices, new technologists joining the profession at an unprecedented rate? This issue is dedicated to those within legal tech who are committed to "Embracing New Voices and Empowering New Technologists," as well as the new voices and technologists joining the community whose presence offers opportunities for innovation and inspires growth. Our Fall Peer to Peer opens with the second installment in a series of articles created by members of ILTA's DEIC (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee). Mari Sun and Canaan Himmelbaum highlight a fundamental challenge many legal technologists experience in their professional journeys—balancing the opposing perspectives of the legal profession with its preference for tradition and the technological profession with a preference for innovation and change. They offer insightful perspectives about ways that industry professionals can optimize opportunities for growth by including diverse voices joining the community. Liza Pestillos-Ocat extends her expert guidance on forward-looking methods for onboarding and training hires new to legal sectors. Christine Dauchez introduces SPARK, a training methodology designed to enhance engagement throughout the onboarding process. There's something for everyone in the special ILTACON 2024 section! New technologists and seasoned veterans will find inspiration and motivation in Josh Wulf's powerful account of his experience with ILTACON and the transformative potential available to those willing to adopt a growth mindset. Amy Juers' overview of the ILTACON Session, "Navigating the Rapid Update Cadence of Microsoft 365 and Beyond," provides vital insights and updates for veterans and newcomers in 2025. Andy Hoyt shares highlights from his ILTACON conversation with Mark Williams about the collaborative endeavors of Aderant and Vanderbilt Law School as they actively engage in "Forging the Future" through VAILL (Vanderbilt's AI Learning Laboratory). We've also included several pieces specifically crafted for new voices and technologists. Jeff Cox, an ILTA Young Professionals to Watch award winner, shares sage advice on ways industry newcomers can build and expand their professional community. Ivy Grey recommends ten game-changing tips that legal technologists can utilize to strengthen their writing skills. The concluding article in our 2024 Fall Peer to Peer brings our attention to one of the most critical (and least vocalized) concerns within conversations about "Embracing New Voices and Empowering New Technologists." Veteran author Paula Zirinsky speaks authentically about the epidemic of stress and professional burnout sweeping through the shadows of the legal sector. Her call to action asks that legal professionals create work environments that empower, instead of exhaust, the bright new voices and technologists joining the legal tech profession at never-before-seen rates. Happy Reading, ILTANs! ILTA Peer to Peer I L T A ' S Q U A R T E R L Y M A G A Z I N E F A L L 2 0 2 4 I S S U E # 2 V O L . 4 0 Editor Crystal Little Creative Director Kendall Lazorchak Ad Sales Tyler Howes Disclaimer: This report is designed for use as a general guide and is not intended to serve as a recommendation or to replace the advice of experienced professionals. If expert assistance is desired, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Neither ILTA nor any author or contributor shall have liability for any person's reliance on the content of or any errors or omissions in this publication. Copyright © ILTA 2024 All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced in any manner or medium whatsoever without the prior written permission of ILTA. To request permission for use, contact publications@ iltanet.org. Published by ILTA c/o Editor, 159 N. Sangamon Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607. Crystal Little Editor of Content & Publications, ILTA

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