ABATECHSHOW Day 2: More interesting seminars, and a review of some vendors

On Day 2 we tried to cover a wide range of seminars, and complete our review of the vendors.  We also networked with a number of our Chicago law firm contacts regarding the Chicago market for contract attorneys:

Adobe Vendor Track Session

Basically, this program has more than enough versatility and functionality to put, at least, 25% of the vendors present at this show out of business.  It was a fabulous presentation and we are going to work with Adobe in providing materials to Posse List members.  The materials for the presentation can be found at www.adobe.com/go/acrolaw and/or  http://blogs.adobe.com/acrolaw and The Posse List will be sent invitations for their online sessions. 

From a Different Vantage Point: In-house Legal Departments

Susskind’s presentation rang true for this session. Both speakers stated that in-house legal departments are similar to art & drama classes in high school, meaning they are underfunded and the first to get cut because they spend and not make money. Once approval is given, Legal tries to bring in as much advanced and/or symbiotic tech as possible in order to reduce external spend, recycle internal projects and show some degree of profitability to the company’s directors.  Unfortunately, it sounded like in-house departments do not truly understand what tech is really needed (a “keeping up with the Jones'” mentality) and, as a result, rely heavily on the corporate IT department for the solutions, i.e. what does a dog do once it finally catches the car it’s been chasing.  Admittedly, it’s an opportunity for e-discovery vendors to “show their stuff” via a well-crafted presentation.   For the presentation click here.   

 E-discovery Treasure Chest

 Presented by Ralph Losey (somewhat of The God in the e-discovery field) and Mary Pat Poteet (Director of Litigation Support at DLA Piper in San Diego, and a great source for IT/e-discovery).  They first walked through Ralph’s sites  (www.floridalawfirm.com & ralphlosey.wordpress.com), followed by the presentation of a cornucopia of websites.  Even to “veterans” in this business it was an eye-opener (what? sites even WE did not know about??).  Anyone new to e-discovery would have greatly benefited from this panel.  On the international side, Losey recommended http://www.trilantic.co.uk and http://www.outindex.com/oie.html which are two companies we know quite well via The Posse List (Europe) operations.  For the presentation click here. 

As for the vendors, we hit almost all the booths but tried to focus on ones that would interest The Posse List (now quite a diverse membership of lawyers, law firms, e-discovery companies, bar associations, in-house legal departments, media, etc.):

 Adobe Systems Inc.

The presenters pitch (see web links above for details) centered on Acrobat 9’s improvements from prior versions and the company’s attempt to make a pdf the universal file for any and all applications regardless of subject matter or use.  Regarding international applications, the software claims the ability to more accurately identify key words in most recognized languages.   The presenter gave us a 30 day trial of Pro Extended version and we will follow up for further information.

 CDW

 The company’s model (link here to site)  can be best described as the Walmart of re-sellers. It appears that, via a network of preferred vendors i.e. Workproducts (click here) , the cost savings they are able to provide is through the rental of needed technology and the near complete automation of the entire pre and post discovery process.

CT Summation

The representatives did not deviate from their literature nor offered any information that is not already known about their services or systems.  It appeared that they are focusing on the computer factor alone to address the challenges to the industry, both domestic and internationally. Presenter gave a limited trail of iBlaze which we will try out and report back later.

Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP

The pitch revolved around their “one-stop shop” and “jack of all trades” themes.  The interesting takeaway was that they try to balance the computer factor with the human factor in order to present a potential client with the best as well as cost effective option.  With respect to international work, he stated that “…we are everywhere…” and are able to address any issue no matter how complex or substantive.  When asked for greater detail, he could not go into any specifics because some of the matters are still pending.  However, we know via The Posse List (Europe) that international e-discovery work is growing and that Deloitte will have a major presence.

eMag Solutions

They appear to be a cross between Deloitte and CT Summation regarding their business model, which can be applied both domestically and internationally.  Regarding international applications, it appears that they prefer the human factor and are familiar with the structure of basic review requirements.  They are gaining a wider footprint and we will follow-up.

Rocket Matter

This was a fascinating presentation and the software appears to have the basic functionality a solo would need in a mobile office.  Most of their materials were out and the representative will be sending us copies for review.  This company warrants a closer look in order to determine whether their application has the versatility to truly operate as claimed or is simply an on-line version of a flash drive.  For a link to their web site click here.

Total Attorneys

They go the next step from Rocket Matter in that they provide a barrister-solicitor type of relationship with its attorneys.  Attorneys interested in starting a solo practice or a joint venture should review this company because it can handle all of the business logistics that are inherent with the practice of law, i.e. call center, billing system, etc., via an online environment.  For a link to their website click here.