SmartAdvocate Connect 2025 Conference Celebrates Record Attendance Among Law Firms
The SmartAdvocate Connect 2025 User Conference took place from October 13 to 15 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Florida, marking a significant milestone in the legal tech industry. This year, the event saw a record number of law firms in attendance, showcasing the continuous growth and influence of SmartAdvocate's award-winning legal case management software across the United States.
SmartAdvocate has established itself as a premium solution for litigation firms, and the 2025 conference was designed to further support users with a variety of educational opportunities. One of the key innovations at this year's event was the introduction of a tiered learning format, which included breakout sessions categorized as Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. This structure catered to all attendees, regardless of their familiarity with the platform. Claude Simpson, the Head of Training, emphasized that this approach allowed the team to better address the distinct needs of firms, whether they were first-time users or experienced professionals seeking advanced capabilities.
A notable highlight of the SmartAdvocate Connect 2025 agenda was the inclusion of a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) eligible Spotlight Session. This session featured Sara Frasca, CEO of Point NorthEast, who delivered an inspiring keynote on leveraging innovation, leadership, and culture to enhance firm efficiency and strategic growth. Her insights set the tone for the entire conference, emphasizing the importance of blending these elements to drive success in the legal landscape.
The conference also benefitted from the collaboration of SmartAdvocate's Integration Partners, who showcased their products and services through live demos in the exhibit hall. These partners included a diverse array of companies involved in AI, litigation support, case intake, and more, all contributing to enhancing the SmartAdvocate user experience. Allison Rampolla, SVP of Sales and Marketing, remarked on the integral role partners play in fostering an innovative ecosystem, ensuring clients have access to advanced tools tailored to their practice's needs.
Returning features, like the popular Ask the Expert sessions, allowed attendees to engage one-on-one with SmartAdvocate staff from various departments, enriching their understanding and use of the software. The conference's events were not limited to education; a welcoming reception and a festive dinner on the beach provided networking opportunities. These gatherings allowed attendees to reinforce connections and celebrate their community in the picturesque setting of Marco Island.
Moreover, the presence of numerous new clients was notable this year, many of whom were attending their first SmartAdvocate Connect. Their enthusiasm signified the growing recognition and value of the platform in today’s legal field. Rampolla pointed out that the trend of new firms sending multiple representatives reflected SmartAdvocate's rising status as a key player in legal technology.
Setting the bar even higher, SmartAdvocate Connect 2025 also achieved a record number of exhibitors, highlighting the strength and ingenuity within its network. Partners at the event included innovators such as Anytime AI, Case Status, and Legalex, each offering unique solutions designed to enhance the SmartAdvocate platform.
Looking ahead, SmartAdvocate Connect is set to return in 2026. The event will once again focus on education, innovation, and community—elements that have solidified its place as a cornerstone event for SmartAdvocate users. As the legal industry continues to evolve, conferences like SmartAdvocate Connect will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of legal technology.
Overall, SmartAdvocate Connect 2025 was not just an event but a pivotal gathering for legal innovators aiming to redefine how technology serves the legal industry. With the momentum generated at this year’s conference, the future looks bright for both SmartAdvocate and its clients as they navigate the complexities and opportunities that lie ahead in legal technology.