{"id":109806,"date":"2025-03-05T16:03:08","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T00:03:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2025\/03\/05\/a-lawyer-at-sxsw-exploring-the-future-of-law-and-technology\/"},"modified":"2025-03-05T16:03:08","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T00:03:08","slug":"a-lawyer-at-sxsw-exploring-the-future-of-law-and-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2025\/03\/05\/a-lawyer-at-sxsw-exploring-the-future-of-law-and-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"A Lawyer At SXSW: Exploring The Future Of Law And Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
(Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller\/SOPA Images\/LightRocket via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This week, I\u2019ll be attending and reporting on the\u00a0South by Southwest<\/a>\u00a0(SXSW) Conference in Austin, Texas. SXSW\u2014or as some call it, South By\u2014is a sprawling, nine-day event (13 if you include the education-focused portion) that blends technology, music, film, media, and culture into an immersive experience. It\u2019s attended by over 350,000 people.<\/p>\n

SXSW began in 1987 as a music festival designed to showcase Austin\u2019s music scene. Over the years, it has morphed into a global event that brings together emerging technology, digital media, and internet culture. Many startups and tech trends have made their mark at SXSW\u2014most famously, Twitter\u2019s breakout moment in 2007. This year, I\u2019ll be attending the interactive portion, which focuses on the intersection of technology, business, and policy and the future\u2014spaces where legal can and will be impacted.<\/p>\n

SXSW Is a Festival, Not Just a Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n

I attend many conferences each year, and most follow a familiar pattern. They\u2019re structured around vendors showcasing their latest products, and while there are educational sessions, the core focus is technology demonstrations and sales pitches. the real raison d\u2019etre is products.\u00a0Companies showcase\u00a0the latest gadgets, AI-powered solutions, and futuristic concepts\u00a0that are on or will soon hit the market. Lots of marketing and selling.<\/p>\n

SXSW is different. It\u2019s a festival, not just a conference. The focus isn\u2019t on products\u2014it\u2019s on ideas. It\u2019s a place where thought-provoking discussions unfold, where emerging technologies intersect with policy debates, and where the future of industries\u2014including the legal profession\u2014is explored in depth. Its all about education and learning with the focus on the sessions, not the products.\u00a0SXSW is\u00a0a conversation, not just an exhibition.<\/p>\n

While traditional tech conferences focus on what\u2019s being built, SXSW is about how technology will impact people, society, and law. The sessions dive into questions like:<\/p>\n

\u2022 How will AI impact the workforce?<\/p>\n

\u2022 Who owns digital content in the age of the metaverse?<\/p>\n

\u2022 How do we regulate misinformation online?<\/p>\n

These aren\u2019t abstract debates\u2014they are conversations shaping the legal, ethical, and business realities of the future.<\/p>\n

SXSW 2016: What It Taught Me<\/strong><\/p>\n

To give just one example of why SXSW is valuable to legal professionals, I first attended in 2016, when AI was an emerging topic. I wrote a\u00a0piece on LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0afterward, noting:<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were lots of sessions and discussions centered on the use of artificial intelligence to solve problems. As expected, there was plenty of debate over what AI can and cannot yet do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking back, those conversations weren\u2019t just interesting\u2014they were prescient. In 2016, we were speculating about AI\u2019s impact on business and law. Now, in 2024, AI is transforming how lawyers work, raising new questions about ethics, bias, regulation, and intellectual property.<\/p>\n

This is what makes SXSW so valuable. It\u2019s not about reacting to what\u2019s happening today\u2014it\u2019s about anticipating what\u2019s coming next.<\/p>\n

SXSW vs. Traditional Conferences<\/strong><\/p>\n

To be clear, there\u2019s absolutely a place for traditional tech conferences. Tech conferences are incredibly valuable for understanding new legal tech solutions, tools, and advancements in AI.<\/p>\n

But SXSW provides something a bit different: a broad, multidisciplinary perspective. Instead of focusing on vendor-driven sessions, SXSW brings together policymakers, industry leaders, ethicists, entrepreneurs, and academics to discuss the bigger picture of how technology is reshaping industries\u2014including law.<\/p>\n

For example, instead of a CEO pitching a new AI contract review tool, SXSW might feature a discussion between a tech founder, a law professor, and a privacy advocate about the impact and ethical implications of AI-driven decision-making.<\/p>\n

The SXSW Keynotes: Thought Leaders<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can see this from keynotes. At most conference keynotes are given by CEOs or high mucky mucks from technology companies who are subtlety or not so subtlety marketing their wares.\u00a0<\/p>\n

SXSW keynotes are different. Past speakers have included thought leaders like Barack Obama (2016), Edward Snowden (2014), Brene Brown, Jack Dorsey, and Walter Isaacson\u2014figures who shape culture and policy, not just corporate strategy and sales.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s lineup of Keynotes and Featured speakers includes:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Kasley Killam,<\/a>\u00a0a leading expert in social health<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Jay Graber<\/a>, CEO of decentralized social media startup Bluesky<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Kevin O\u2019Leary<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Frank McCourt<\/a>, thought leaders<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Eddy Cue and Ben Stiller<\/a>, Apple<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Mark Cuban<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Chelsea Clinton, Nancy Northup, Dr. Jamila Taylor, and Rachel Scott<\/a>, leading voices in women\u2019s rights advocacy<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Cristiano Amon<\/a>, and\u00a0Dr.Rumman Chowdhury<\/a>, experts in AI and ethics<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Leaders from Disney, Amazon, and Mozilla, discussing not just what their companies build, but how technology is shaping our world.<\/p>\n

Other noteworthy keynote presenters:\u00a0John Fogerty<\/a>, music legend and the actor,\u00a0Kevin Bacon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Featured Sessions<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition, there are over 200 featured sessions that include conversations with prominent figures discussing transformative concepts shaping the future,\u00a0\u00a0deep dives into specific topics by experts, and workshops and mentoring session<\/p>\n

This year, I will be attending sessions on topics like how to shape the future (led by Google\u2019s Chief Innovation Evangelist), 10 breakthrough technologies in 2025, cybersecurity, how to create good designs, the future of technology, rethinking the imposter syndrome, and deepfakes. And that\u2019s just the first day. Other session I hope to attend will focus on\u00a0AI impact and ethics, justice, and storytelling in the digital age.<\/p>\n

The Exhibit Hall<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, there is an Exhibit Hall as SXSW. Butthe focus and atmosphere of the SXSW exhibit hall is different than your typical conference. Most conference exhibit halls are\u00a0showcases for vendor products and\u00a0launchpads for the latest products.<\/p>\n

SXSW, on the other hand, takes a\u00a0more diverse and multidisciplinary approach. Its exhibit hall isn\u2019t just about the latest products\u2014it\u2019s about\u00a0how technology intersects with society, culture, and business.\u00a0The SXSW Expo includes dedicated pavilions for\u00a0innovation, social impact, global trends, entertainment, and health and wellness.\u00a0Exhibitors range from\u00a0startups and tech disruptors to social enterprises and policy innovators.<\/p>\n

SXSW is about conversation and collaboration.\u00a0The SXSW Exhibit is designed to foster dialogue between abouthow technology is reshaping industries, law, and daily life.<\/p>\n

Why SXSW Matters for the Legal Profession<\/strong><\/p>\n

So why am I, a lawyer and legal technology blogger here?<\/p>\n

Clearly, the\u00a0legal industry is at a crossroads. Rapid advancements in AI and technology are reshaping everything from\u00a0client expectations to the fundamental business model and structure of law firms.\u00a0\u00a0SXSW provides insights into technological, cultural, and business trends that will impact legal practice, regulation, and ethics. The more exposure to emerging trends, the better prepared the profession will be. It\u2019s about issue and trend spotting.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Secondly, SXSW is a place where industry leaders debate how laws should evolve to keep up with innovation. Lawyers and legal professionals obviously need to anticipate regulatory challenges before they happen\u2014whether it\u2019s AI governance, privacy laws, or digital rights.<\/p>\n

Third, law firms are under pressure to move beyond the billable-hour model and embrace more value-driven pricing structures. AI, automation, and client expectations are forcing law firms to rethink how legal services are delivered and priced. Many of the conversations at SXSW touch on these themes\u2014not just in law, but in professional services more broadly.<\/p>\n

Finally, SXSW isn\u2019t theoretical\u2014it\u2019s about real-world impact. Discussions on AI bias, platform liability, misinformation laws, decentralized governance, cybersecurity, copyright, licensing, digital rights and compliance aren\u2019t just academic\u2014they\u2019re shaping the policies that will affect law firms, in-house counsel, and legal decision-making.<\/p>\n

So Why Go to SXSW?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The conversations at SXSW aren\u2019t just about what\u2019s happening now\u2014they\u2019re about where we\u2019re headed. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here. To listen, to learn, and to be part of the conversations that will impact the future of legal.<\/p>\n

\n

Stephen Embry is a lawyer, speaker, blogger and writer. He publishes\u00a0TechLaw Crossroads<\/a>, a blog devoted to the examination of the tension between technology, the law, and the practice of law.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The post A Lawyer At SXSW: Exploring The Future Of Law And Technology<\/a> appeared first on Above the Law<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"
(Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller\/SOPA Images\/LightRocket via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This week, I\u2019ll be attending and reporting on the\u00a0South by Southwest<\/a>\u00a0(SXSW) Conference in Austin, Texas. SXSW\u2014or as some call it, South By\u2014is a sprawling, nine-day event (13 if you include the education-focused portion) that blends technology, music, film, media, and culture into an immersive experience. It\u2019s attended by over 350,000 people.<\/p>\n

SXSW began in 1987 as a music festival designed to showcase Austin\u2019s music scene. Over the years, it has morphed into a global event that brings together emerging technology, digital media, and internet culture. Many startups and tech trends have made their mark at SXSW\u2014most famously, Twitter\u2019s breakout moment in 2007. This year, I\u2019ll be attending the interactive portion, which focuses on the intersection of technology, business, and policy and the future\u2014spaces where legal can and will be impacted.<\/p>\n

SXSW Is a Festival, Not Just a Conference<\/strong><\/p>\n

I attend many conferences each year, and most follow a familiar pattern. They\u2019re structured around vendors showcasing their latest products, and while there are educational sessions, the core focus is technology demonstrations and sales pitches. the real raison d\u2019etre is products.\u00a0Companies showcase\u00a0the latest gadgets, AI-powered solutions, and futuristic concepts\u00a0that are on or will soon hit the market. Lots of marketing and selling.<\/p>\n

SXSW is different. It\u2019s a festival, not just a conference. The focus isn\u2019t on products\u2014it\u2019s on ideas. It\u2019s a place where thought-provoking discussions unfold, where emerging technologies intersect with policy debates, and where the future of industries\u2014including the legal profession\u2014is explored in depth. Its all about education and learning with the focus on the sessions, not the products.\u00a0SXSW is\u00a0a conversation, not just an exhibition.<\/p>\n

While traditional tech conferences focus on what\u2019s being built, SXSW is about how technology will impact people, society, and law. The sessions dive into questions like:<\/p>\n

\u2022 How will AI impact the workforce?<\/p>\n

\u2022 Who owns digital content in the age of the metaverse?<\/p>\n

\u2022 How do we regulate misinformation online?<\/p>\n

These aren\u2019t abstract debates\u2014they are conversations shaping the legal, ethical, and business realities of the future.<\/p>\n

SXSW 2016: What It Taught Me<\/strong><\/p>\n

To give just one example of why SXSW is valuable to legal professionals, I first attended in 2016, when AI was an emerging topic. I wrote a\u00a0piece on LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0afterward, noting:<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were lots of sessions and discussions centered on the use of artificial intelligence to solve problems. As expected, there was plenty of debate over what AI can and cannot yet do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking back, those conversations weren\u2019t just interesting\u2014they were prescient. In 2016, we were speculating about AI\u2019s impact on business and law. Now, in 2024, AI is transforming how lawyers work, raising new questions about ethics, bias, regulation, and intellectual property.<\/p>\n

This is what makes SXSW so valuable. It\u2019s not about reacting to what\u2019s happening today\u2014it\u2019s about anticipating what\u2019s coming next.<\/p>\n

SXSW vs. Traditional Conferences<\/strong><\/p>\n

To be clear, there\u2019s absolutely a place for traditional tech conferences. Tech conferences are incredibly valuable for understanding new legal tech solutions, tools, and advancements in AI.<\/p>\n

But SXSW provides something a bit different: a broad, multidisciplinary perspective. Instead of focusing on vendor-driven sessions, SXSW brings together policymakers, industry leaders, ethicists, entrepreneurs, and academics to discuss the bigger picture of how technology is reshaping industries\u2014including law.<\/p>\n

For example, instead of a CEO pitching a new AI contract review tool, SXSW might feature a discussion between a tech founder, a law professor, and a privacy advocate about the impact and ethical implications of AI-driven decision-making.<\/p>\n

The SXSW Keynotes: Thought Leaders<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can see this from keynotes. At most conference keynotes are given by CEOs or high mucky mucks from technology companies who are subtlety or not so subtlety marketing their wares.\u00a0<\/p>\n

SXSW keynotes are different. Past speakers have included thought leaders like Barack Obama (2016), Edward Snowden (2014), Brene Brown, Jack Dorsey, and Walter Isaacson\u2014figures who shape culture and policy, not just corporate strategy and sales.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s lineup of Keynotes and Featured speakers includes:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Kasley Killam,<\/a>\u00a0a leading expert in social health<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Jay Graber<\/a>, CEO of decentralized social media startup Bluesky<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Kevin O\u2019Leary<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Frank McCourt<\/a>, thought leaders<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Eddy Cue and Ben Stiller<\/a>, Apple<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Mark Cuban<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Chelsea Clinton, Nancy Northup, Dr. Jamila Taylor, and Rachel Scott<\/a>, leading voices in women\u2019s rights advocacy<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Cristiano Amon<\/a>, and\u00a0Dr.Rumman Chowdhury<\/a>, experts in AI and ethics<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Leaders from Disney, Amazon, and Mozilla, discussing not just what their companies build, but how technology is shaping our world.<\/p>\n

Other noteworthy keynote presenters:\u00a0John Fogerty<\/a>, music legend and the actor,\u00a0Kevin Bacon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Featured Sessions<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition, there are over 200 featured sessions that include conversations with prominent figures discussing transformative concepts shaping the future,\u00a0\u00a0deep dives into specific topics by experts, and workshops and mentoring session<\/p>\n

This year, I will be attending sessions on topics like how to shape the future (led by Google\u2019s Chief Innovation Evangelist), 10 breakthrough technologies in 2025, cybersecurity, how to create good designs, the future of technology, rethinking the imposter syndrome, and deepfakes. And that\u2019s just the first day. Other session I hope to attend will focus on\u00a0AI impact and ethics, justice, and storytelling in the digital age.<\/p>\n

The Exhibit Hall<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, there is an Exhibit Hall as SXSW. Butthe focus and atmosphere of the SXSW exhibit hall is different than your typical conference. Most conference exhibit halls are\u00a0showcases for vendor products and\u00a0launchpads for the latest products.<\/p>\n

SXSW, on the other hand, takes a\u00a0more diverse and multidisciplinary approach. Its exhibit hall isn\u2019t just about the latest products\u2014it\u2019s about\u00a0how technology intersects with society, culture, and business.\u00a0The SXSW Expo includes dedicated pavilions for\u00a0innovation, social impact, global trends, entertainment, and health and wellness.\u00a0Exhibitors range from\u00a0startups and tech disruptors to social enterprises and policy innovators.<\/p>\n

SXSW is about conversation and collaboration.\u00a0The SXSW Exhibit is designed to foster dialogue between abouthow technology is reshaping industries, law, and daily life.<\/p>\n

Why SXSW Matters for the Legal Profession<\/strong><\/p>\n

So why am I, a lawyer and legal technology blogger here?<\/p>\n

Clearly, the\u00a0legal industry is at a crossroads. Rapid advancements in AI and technology are reshaping everything from\u00a0client expectations to the fundamental business model and structure of law firms.\u00a0\u00a0SXSW provides insights into technological, cultural, and business trends that will impact legal practice, regulation, and ethics. The more exposure to emerging trends, the better prepared the profession will be. It\u2019s about issue and trend spotting.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Secondly, SXSW is a place where industry leaders debate how laws should evolve to keep up with innovation. Lawyers and legal professionals obviously need to anticipate regulatory challenges before they happen\u2014whether it\u2019s AI governance, privacy laws, or digital rights.<\/p>\n

Third, law firms are under pressure to move beyond the billable-hour model and embrace more value-driven pricing structures. AI, automation, and client expectations are forcing law firms to rethink how legal services are delivered and priced. Many of the conversations at SXSW touch on these themes\u2014not just in law, but in professional services more broadly.<\/p>\n

Finally, SXSW isn\u2019t theoretical\u2014it\u2019s about real-world impact. Discussions on AI bias, platform liability, misinformation laws, decentralized governance, cybersecurity, copyright, licensing, digital rights and compliance aren\u2019t just academic\u2014they\u2019re shaping the policies that will affect law firms, in-house counsel, and legal decision-making.<\/p>\n

So Why Go to SXSW?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The conversations at SXSW aren\u2019t just about what\u2019s happening now\u2014they\u2019re about where we\u2019re headed. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here. To listen, to learn, and to be part of the conversations that will impact the future of legal.<\/p>\n

\n

Stephen Embry is a lawyer, speaker, blogger and writer. He publishes\u00a0TechLaw Crossroads<\/a>, a blog devoted to the examination of the tension between technology, the law, and the practice of law.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller\/SOPA Images\/LightRocket via Getty Images) This week, I\u2019ll be attending and reporting on the\u00a0South by Southwest\u00a0(SXSW) Conference in Austin, Texas. SXSW\u2014or as some call it, South By\u2014is a sprawling, nine-day event (13 if you include the education-focused portion) that blends technology, music, film, media, and culture into an immersive experience. It\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":109807,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-109806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-above_the_law"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/xira.com\/p\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/SXSW-GettyImages-2201521857-AY4PIC.jpeg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109806","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109806"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109806\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/109807"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109806"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=109806"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=109806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}