Getting More Out of the Tech You Already Have
This program shows criminal defense lawyers how to unlock the full power of the technology they already own—without spending more money or overcomplicating their workflow. Instead of chasing new tools, this session walks through how common platforms like Microsoft 365 and Adobe Acrobat can be leveraged to handle everything from client communication and document management to scheduling, collaboration, and case preparation. The result is a smarter, more streamlined practice built on tools you’re already paying for.
You’ll gain practical, time-saving techniques that immediately translate into better case handling and fewer costly mistakes. Learn how to eliminate version-control issues, securely share and collect client documents, automate repetitive tasks, and build efficient workflows for intake, calendaring, and communication. The program also highlights built-in features—like document automation, transcription, OCR, and collaboration tools—that can replace expensive third-party services while improving accuracy and organization.
Beyond efficiency, this session helps you modernize your practice in a way that directly benefits your clients. You’ll see how to improve responsiveness, reduce friction in client interactions, and maintain stronger control over sensitive information. At the same time, you’ll be introduced to emerging tools like AI-assisted drafting and automation—along with the ethical and practical considerations that come with them—so you can adopt new technology confidently and responsibly.
Catherine Sanders Reach is Director for the Center for Practice Management at the North Carolina Bar Association, providing practice technology and management assistance to lawyers and legal professionals. Formerly she was Director, Law Practice Management and Technology for the Chicago Bar Association and the Director at the American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Resource Center. Prior to her work at the NCBA, CBA, and ABA she worked in library and information science environments for several years, working at Ross and Hardies as a librarian. She received a master’s degree in library and information Studies from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa in 1997. Ms. Reach’s professional activities include articles published in Law Practice magazine, Law Technology News and GPSolo Magazine, as well as numerous other publications. She has given presentations on the use of technology in law firms for national bar conferences, state, and local bar associations and organizations such as the National Association of Bar Council and the Association of American Law Schools. In 2011, she was selected to be one of the inaugural Fastcase 50, celebrating 50 innovators, techies, visionaries, and leaders in the field of law. In 2013, she was inducted as a Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management. In 2015, she was selected to be part of the ABA LTRC Women of Legal Tech. She served on the ABA TECHSHOW Board from 2007-2009, 2014-2016, was co-vice chair in 2019, and co-chair in 2020. She is the co-editor of the 2023 ABA book Design Your Law Practice.
