Boston, MA — Within the metropolis the place revolution as soon as sparked democracy, the sixth Annual American Authorized Expertise Awards gathered a sold-out crowd to have fun a brand new form of revolt—one powered by innovation, inclusion, and braveness.
Underneath the theme Time to Construct, the night blended laughter with management, music with mission. As co-founder Tom Martin put it, it was “a beautiful affirmation to have fun the nice works of do-gooder innovators from the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.”
A Standing Ovation for a Legacy of Progress
When co-founder Cat Moon stepped as much as current the Lifetime Achievement Award to Jim Calloway, the group stood earlier than she completed his identify. After 28 years main the Oklahoma Bar Affiliation’s Administration Help Program, Calloway’s retirement in 2025 marked greater than the shut of a profession—it marked the fruits of a motion.
Lengthy earlier than “authorized tech” was a buzzword, Calloway was constructing bridges between custom and innovation. He confirmed attorneys that progress isn’t about chasing shiny instruments—it’s a few regular climb towards higher service, smarter techniques, and more healthy practices. The ovation wasn’t for longevity. It was for management with coronary heart.
Highlight on Builders
From digital justice passports to AI-enhanced transparency, this yr’s winners shared one trait: they’re constructing techniques that make the regulation extra human.
- Entry to Justice: Maryland Justice Passport — a residing, evolving digital hub that helps low-income Marylanders navigate courts and connect with actual assist.
- Courts: Ohio Authorized Assist — its Digital Self-Assist Facilities redefine what it means to “meet folks the place they’re,” with plain-language steerage and mobile-first design.
- Training: Sarah Mauet, UX4Justice — educating attorneys and technologists to design with empathy, not assumption.
- Enterprise: Onit (Unity) — embedding AI straight into authorized workflows, signaling the following part of operational intelligence.
- Particular person: Nick Rishwain — championing underrepresented founders and reshaping the funding panorama.
- Startup: ClaimScore — real-time fraud detection that balances safety with equity.
- Regulation Agency: Gunderson Dettmer (ChatGD+) — proof that AI will be cultural, not simply technical.
- AI/Analysis: Free Regulation Undertaking — bringing daylight to the justice system by way of open information and AI-driven search.
- Journalism: Marlene Gebauer, The Geek in Assessment — amplifying the voices shaping tomorrow’s authorized business.
A Night time of Music and That means
The night opened on an surprising notice—actually. Damien Riehl of vLex took the stage to kick off the present with a parody of “American Pie,” rewritten as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to entry to justice and the ever-controversial UPL man. The gang was hooked—laughing and nodding alongside as Riehl turned authorized reform right into a sing-along anthem.
Later, Riehl returned with Jackie Schafer of Clearbrief.ai for “Out of the blue AI,” a pitch-perfect parody of “Out of the blue Seymour.” Equal components hilarious and heartfelt, the duet captured the spirit of the night time: innovation in regulation will be good and joyful.
A Name to Conscience
When co-founder Patrick Palace took the stage, the temper shifted from celebration to reflection. He reminded the viewers that democracy will depend on entry—and entry will depend on an impartial judiciary.
Palace spoke of the lawyer’s oath to defend the Structure—not as a formality, however as knowledgeable obligation that issues most when it’s examined. He warned that pressures on judicial independence and fact demand vigilance from those that follow regulation. On an evening dedicated to innovation, his message was a grounding reminder: know-how could evolve, however justice nonetheless will depend on individuals who hold their guarantees.
Revolution, Reimagined
Hosted by Suffolk College Regulation Faculty—with assist from 8am, Clio, and ARAG Authorized Insurance coverage—the occasion honored the doers: architects of the following period of regulation.
In Boston—the place revolutions started—the night time closed with a transparent name:
It’s time to construct.
Construct techniques that serve.
Construct leaders who pay attention.
Construct a authorized future worthy of its promise.
Final up to date October sixteenth, 2025
