Whistleblower lawyer Mark Zaid tells the ABA Journal in an interview that his security clearance has recently been revoked by the Trump administration. A registered independent, Zaid says he has never been involved in “a meaningful” way with any political party. “I am strictly a lawyer who represents clients.”

As the landmark 40th annual ABA Techshow wrapped up in Chicago on Saturday morning, 14 former Techshow chairs reflected on how much technology has changed and evolved over the years—and what’s stayed the same.

Technology isn’t just transforming the legal world. From your morning routine to your evening unwind, the right gadgets can make life smoother, saner and maybe even a little more fun.

Back when using technology meant using tools to correct grammar and spelling or automate documents, lawyers didn’t need much training. But that’s no longer the case—not with the emergence of generative artificial intelligence, a helpful but tricky tool that has the potential to serve up information that sounds plausible but might not be accurate.

The judges have spoken. At an ABA Techshow panel Friday afternoon in Chicago, three judges handed down their verdict on artificial intelligence: It’s a must-do to survive in law.

It may feel like artificial intelligence has taken over this year’s ABA Techshow. It turns out that Techshow isn’t the only big expo where that is the case.

At the 40th annual ABA Techshow taking place this year at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, there were more than 80 scheduled speakers, dozens of sessions and a gigantic space filled to the brim with incredibly eager vendors.

Jennifer Wondracek, a professor of legal research and writing at the Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, spoke Thursday during an ABA Techshow 2025 program titled, “Ethical Panel Considerations for Lawyers Using Artificial Intelligence.” She and her co-panelists shared their approaches to using generative artificial intelligence in legal practice, as well as potential risks to keep in mind.

Updated: The State Bar of California’s board of trustees decided April 2 to hold off approving provisional licensing for February bar exam participants while it considers other options.

As legal tech vendors mingled and showcased their products, Cory Doctorow stood steps away, delivering a scathing critique of technology. “What’s going on here is emblematic of ‘enshitification,’ the decay of platforms,” Doctorow said. Initially, tech platforms are created to be good to their users, or else no one would use them, he said. They suck you in, Doctorow said.