#ClioCloud9 Takeaways

All the fun and none of the travel hassles

October 17, 2020

It’s October, which means it’s Clio Conference time. In the interest of full disclosure, I am a “Media Partner” which means I got a comped pass and they offered me special swag or the option in lieu of swag to make charitable donation. I took the donation option and I really appreciate them for offering. It’s so emblematic of Clio to take what normally happens at a conference, and turn it up to 11 and yet also do it thoughtfully and holistically.

Conferences, especially tech centered ones, can be such bro fests and all about “crushing it” and “domination” so it’s really really appreciated to see one where oppressed voices are centered and success and winning are not defined by the other party’s pain but rather in finding the solution that brings healing and satisfaction to all involved. Oh, and by the way, we’re using technology and expansive thinking to do this because it’s 20 effing 20 and law is joining the rest of the world whether you like it or not.

Since travel is not recommended right now, Clio was held virtually and I have to say, I didn’t hate it? There were some technical glitches, but coming from technical side of things, I would have been more surprised if there weren’t some hiccups. The platform they used, Social 27, had some neat features to encourage interactivity and make it more than just a Zoom webinar. I wish I could have taken advantage of some of the breakout discussions, but I had some work obligations to take care of. It’s a double edged sword…on one hand, I hate conference travel (for many reasons) and I may not have been able to take four or five days out of the office to attend. On the other, when you do go to a conference, you can really immerse yourself and not be (as easily) distracted by work. I am also deeply introverted and don’t do the party scene anymore so I admittedly really didn’t miss any social stuff but I know that’s important to a lot of people.

As a Media Partner I also got advanced look at the Legal Trends Report. I have to admit I didn’t look at it ahead of time because I can’t keep a secret and now that I’m back more on public Twitter I was scared I’d let something slip. (I’m pretty good at accessing my strengths and weaknesses and I know I have no filter especially on Twitter which is one reason I walk away occasionally.) Once again, it is a fascinating look at the needs and practices of attorneys. There’s so much we don’t know that we don’t know in law and legal practice and this is so useful in finding the pain points so that THEN we can figure out solutions.

Another cool resource found during conference is this meeting planner guide from Matt Homann and Filament. (Matt is a lawyer who used to organize the lightening talks at TECHSHOW [which is where I first met him and where I learned so many cool things] and now runs a meeting facilitation center in St Louis.) Anyway, I hate rambling meetings and also “we should have a meeting about this” meetings with no clear defined goal or purpose. I plan on deploying this soon.

Clio helpfully created a list of books mentioned in the conference. Below is the same list with links to buy via Independent Bookstores or find in library.

(Listen, I’m not perfect. I just bought a RING DOORBELL from Amazon on Prime Day and am bringing the panopticon to my neighborhood which is like five shades of problematic, I know. So I admit I am fully part of the problem but I know some people like to go indie with book purchases. God knows the indie sellers need the help.)

Anyway, I am also tempted to create goodreads list but I need to go work in my yard. I also keep knocking around the idea of book clubs or even movie discussions on works related to innovation. (Ford vs Ferrari had me triggered, y’all.) I think Amazon even has a party viewing setting? Anyway, something to think about.

Because if there’s one thing I did takeaway from this it’s that people in law that are trying to break the mold, even just a little bit, are looking for people to connect with. Clio is starting a virtual community which I think is smart. I also trust them to moderate it so it doesn’t become a cess pit of white male grievances. I would spin up my own Discord but I don’t have the time to moderate it.

Books Mentioned During #ClioCloud9 with Indie and Library links:

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