Budget Season is Looming!
Practical Takeaways from KKU NYC that will help you plan for 2026
Let’s be real: legal tech conferences like KKU NYC and ILTACON aren’t just about the swag and networking breakfasts (though, let’s be honest, those are pretty great). They’re where the future of law meets the present—where you get a sneak peek at what’s next, what’s working, and what’s just hype. Here’s what stood out for legal technologists this year, and why it matters.
1. AI & Copilot: The Future Is Now
AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore. Copilot and other AI-driven tools are changing how legal work gets done—from automating routine tasks to delivering personalized client experiences. The key is experimentation: try new tools, find what works, and don’t be afraid to fail fast. Spend budget wisely here; look at tools that integrate with your current stack. Don’t spend money on shiny things; spend it where it can make useful changes in easy-to-integrate ways.
Why care? AI is your new teammate. Use it to free up time for the work that matters.
2. Dan’s Domain: Microsoft Purview and Governance That Doesn’t Suck
One of the most practical sessions at KKU NYC was all about Microsoft Purview. Legal tech attendees got a crash course in information protection, data loss prevention, retention, records, and insider risk management. The best part? Real-world guidance for firms of all sizes—no more “one-size-fits-none” compliance.
Why care? Governance isn’t just a checkbox. With Purview, you can build policies that work for your firm, not against it. Workshops and quick-starts make it easier to get started, even if you’re not a giant global firm.
3. Strategic Budget Allocation: Budget NOW for Cloud Migration
Sessions at ILTACON and KKU NYC underscored the imperative to continue cloud-based infrastructure and comprehensive application modernization initiatives for every law firm that doesn’t want to be left behind. The legal sector is rapidly advancing toward parity with broader enterprise IT trends, yet persistent legacy infrastructure remains a significant barrier. Our prevailing guidance is clear: transition to cloud-based architectures with deliberate technical and operational planning. Ensure that security and regulatory compliance are integrated from the outset. Cloud adoption should not be approached as a mere re-hosting exercise; instead, organizations must leverage the opportunity to refactor and optimize workflows, harnessing advanced cloud-native capabilities for scalability, resilience, and governance.
Why care? Cloud enablement is no longer discretionary—it is a foundational requirement for firm operational agility and competitive differentiation; no one wants to be first, or last in legal implementations. Firms that delay strategic migration initiatives risk obsolescence and a low return on ROI. A successful transformation demands more than a basic lift-and-shift; continuous modernization, process optimization, and robust compliance frameworks are essential for realizing the full potential of cloud platforms. The final take-away: move to the cloud but do it smartly.
4. Make sure your team is using Agentic Workflows: Automation That’s Actually Smart
Forget the old-school macros and clunky scripts. KKU NYC put agentic workflows front and center: think Copilot Chat Agents and Copilot Studio, but with a legal twist. These tools aren’t just “nicer than interns”; they’re smarter, faster, and way more secure. Imagine onboarding new hires, vendors, or contractors with zero manual effort, while keeping compliance and security locked down. That’s not a pipe dream; it’s happening now.
Why care? If you’re still relying on manual processes, you’re leaving efficiency (and security) on the table. Agentic workflows mean less grunt work, more strategic impact.
5. Chat Amongst Yourselves: Our Legal Tech Community and Why the Best Ideas Aren’t Always on Stage
Some of the best insights from KKU NYC and ILTACON came from hallway conversations and impromptu chats over breakfast and lunch. The legal tech community is full of people solving real problems, with real budgetary consequences.So don’t just attend sessions, get involved.
Why care? Your peers are your best resource. Tap into the community, share your challenges, and learn from others.
6. Pay for it! Security & Regulation: The New Normal
Hybrid work is here to stay, and that means new challenges for security and regulation. KKU NYC and ILTACON sessions made it clear: legal tech teams need to be proactive, not reactive. Continuous monitoring, rapid response, and ongoing education are the new baselines.
Why care? The threats are evolving, and so should your defenses. Don’t wait for a breach to start caring about security.
How Kraft Kennedy Can Help Your Bottom Line
KKU NYC and ILTACON aren’t just conferences—they’re catalysts for change. Legal technologists who embrace AI, practical governance, cloud modernization, proactive security, agentic workflows, community engagement will be the ones leading the charge, and saving money.
Ready to level up?
Dive into new tech, connect with Kraft Kennedy and your peers, and keep pushing the boundaries. The future of legal tech is collaborative, innovative, and, let’s face it, a lot more fun than it used to be.