Time to Build: Innovation, Integrity, and the Independent Spirit of Justice 

Boston, MA — In the city where revolution once sparked democracy, the 6th Annual American Legal Technology Awards gathered a sold-out crowd to celebrate a new kind of rebellion—one powered by innovation, inclusion, and courage. 

Under the theme Time to Build, the evening blended laughter with leadership, music with mission. As co-founder Tom Martin put it, it was “a wonderful affirmation to celebrate the good 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 up to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Jim Calloway, the crowd stood before she finished his name. After 28 years leading the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Management Assistance Program, Calloway’s retirement in 2025 marked more than the close of a career—it marked the culmination of a movement. 

Long before “legal tech” was a buzzword, Calloway was building bridges between tradition and innovation. He showed lawyers that progress isn’t about chasing shiny tools—it’s about a steady climb toward better service, smarter systems, and healthier practices. The ovation wasn’t for longevity. It was for leadership with heart. 

Spotlight on Builders 

From digital justice passports to AI-enhanced transparency, this year’s winners shared one trait: they’re building systems that make the law more human. 

• Access to Justice: Maryland Justice Passport — a living, evolving digital hub that helps low-income Marylanders navigate courts and connect to real help. 

• Courts: Ohio Legal Help — its Virtual Self-Help Centers redefine what it means to “meet people where they are,” with plain-language guidance and mobile-first design. 

• Education: Sarah Mauet, UX4Justice — teaching lawyers and technologists to design with empathy, not assumption. 

• Enterprise: Onit (Unity) — embedding AI directly into legal workflows, signaling the next phase of operational intelligence. 

• Individual: Nick Rishwain — championing underrepresented founders and reshaping the funding landscape. 

• Startup: ClaimScore — real-time fraud detection that balances protection with fairness. 

• Law Firm: Gunderson Dettmer (ChatGD+) — proof that AI can be cultural, not just technical. 

• AI/Research: Free Law Project — bringing sunlight to the justice system through open data and AI-driven search. 

• Journalism: Marlene Gebauer, The Geek in Review — amplifying the voices shaping tomorrow’s legal industry. 

A Night of Music and Meaning 

The evening opened on an unexpected note—literally. Damien Riehl of vLex took the stage to kick off the show with a parody of “American Pie,” rewritten as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to access to justice and the ever-controversial UPL guy. The crowd was hooked—laughing and nodding along as Riehl turned legal reform into a sing-along anthem. 

Later, Riehl returned with Jackie Schafer of Clearbrief.ai for “Suddenly AI,” a pitch-perfect parody of “Suddenly Seymour.” Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, the duet captured the spirit of the night: innovation in law can be brilliant and joyful. 

A Call to Conscience

When co-founder Patrick Palace took the stage, the mood shifted from celebration to reflection. He reminded the audience that democracy depends on access—and access depends on an independent judiciary. 

Palace spoke of the lawyer’s oath to defend the Constitution—not as a formality, but as a professional obligation that matters most when it’s tested. He warned that pressures on judicial independence and truth demand vigilance from those who practice law. On a night devoted to innovation, his message was a grounding reminder: technology may evolve, but justice still depends on people who keep their promises. 

Revolution, Reimagined 

Hosted by Suffolk University Law School—with support from 8am, Clio, and ARAG Legal Insurance—the event honored the doers: architects of the next era of law. 

In Boston—where revolutions began—the night closed with a clear call: 

It’s time to build. 

Build systems that serve. 

Build leaders who listen. 

Build a legal future worthy of its promise. 

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