Inside LegalTechTalk 2025 The Legal Tech Met Gala

A Conference with Unmatched Energy

LegalTechTalk 2025 recently concluded, drawing over 4,000 attendees and 300 speakers for what one delegate aptly described as ‘The Legal Tech Met Gala.’ This description perfectly captures the vibrant and stylish atmosphere that permeated the two-day event.

Setting the tone right from the entrance of the Intercontinental London, a live DJ welcomed guests, an initiative from the organizing team led by co-founder and CEO Bradley Collins. This upbeat energy was a hallmark of the conference, establishing it as a must-attend event in the legal tech calendar.

Growth and Grandeur on the Exhibit Floor

In just its second year, the conference fulfilled its promise to double in size. Exhibitors were spread across two floors, and new breakout roundtable rooms were introduced alongside the main hall sessions. The organizers successfully addressed the audio issues from the previous year by providing headphones, ensuring a smooth experience for all.

The exhibit hall was a spectacle of creativity and competition, similar to what one might see at ILTACON. Vendors vied to create the most memorable experiences. iManage hosted a whimsical sweet treats corner, Relativity offered edible air consumed with a straw, and KPMG UK Tax & Legal entertained attendees with a superhero-themed AI photo booth. This created a dynamic, albeit noisy, and highly engaging environment.

Key Insights and Networking Opportunities

One of the most talked-about sessions was delivered by top 10 TED Talk speaker Julian Treasure. Catriona Wolfenden, a partner at Weightmans, shared her thoughts on LinkedIn, summarizing his powerful message: "Julian Treasure delivered a brilliant plenary on the listening leader, with the profound message that our listening is unique to us... and creates our reality." He emphasized the importance of deliberately changing our listening stance—whether critical, empathetic, or focused—to suit the situation.

For many, including myself, the conference was an invaluable opportunity to connect with vendors, buyers, law firm innovation heads, and CEOs who had traveled from as far as the US and the Middle East. The networking potential was immense.

Balancing Hype with Value

The event wasn't without its challenges. A common observation among law firm innovation heads was the high ratio of vendors to buyers, which cultivated a "hard sell" environment. It's crucial for the organizing team to maintain a healthy balance going forward. The diverse and energetic crowd also meant that while some exhibitors were overrun with interest, others struggled to connect with their target audience. Vendors should carefully consider if the attendee profile matches their goals.

Despite this, there's no denying that LegalTechTalk excels at creating a unique vibe. With cool music, plentiful food and drinks, a speakers' room complete with a make-up station, and a quiet hub for downtime, the event delivered an exceptional experience.

Celebrating New Talent and Future Visions

A huge congratulations goes to Christian Lang and his company, Lega, for winning the highly competitive Launchpad competition against 24 other finalists.

The 'Legal Tech Met Gala' phrase was coined on LinkedIn by Anila Nehreen, a third-year law student and event volunteer. For her, the conference was an inspiring moment where "legal tech finally clicked." She highlighted a panel on the 'Visions of the Future of Law,' noting that speakers I. Stephanie Boyce and Samallie Kiyingi offered powerful reassurance to new graduates about the enduring value of legal knowledge in an age of AI.

The week, which also included the FT Innovative Lawyers Summit, was so packed with activity that Lucy Shurwood, a partner at Simmons & Simmons, humorously remarked on LinkedIn, "Who needs Glastonbury?"