What a Day at LegalWeek NYC: Glad I Got on the Plane a Day Earlier Than Planned

I’m notorious around LexBlog for what happens when you “get Kevin on the road.” I come back energized — even if it means coast-to-coast flights, sketchy sleep, less-than-ideal eating, and being on my feet half the time.

Being here in New York City this week — among friends, new ideas, and good conversations — reminded me once again: this is where I’m supposed to be.

First, LegalWeek itself. There’s no question that AI has replaced e-discovery, and its decade long reign, as the dominant force.

The opening panel on AI filled the largest hall—so much so that people couldn’t get in door. I was glad I didn’t rush over after getting in late Sunday night and running in Central Park in the morning.

My greatest energy came from validation and feedback of what we’re building at LexBlog. Our mission — connecting lawyers with people, for good — feels more timely than ever. The offerings we’ve been working on are resonating.

I got early feedback on a new service we’ll be launching soon — something that expands the scope of legal publishing across our network. You won’t need to use LexBlog’s platform. You won’t even need a blog. Because we believe legal professionals have valuable insight and commentary to share — and that insight deserves visibility in our network and across our affiliate publications.

I had a good conversation with a large publisher about how legal blogs and their thoughtful insight and commentary might be included in the offerings of major legal publishing platforms. Still learning the ins and outs of these kinds of partnerships, but each discussion helps shape our offering..

And then there’s LexBlog Compass — our AI-assisted tool designed to help legal professionals maximize the impact of their blogs. The response? Energizing. Law firms, legal marketers, reporters, even a bright legal tech entrepreneur who’s built data-driven (now AI-driven) tools and companies — all saw its value.

I also had the chance to sit down with Paula Zirinsky, a former large firm CMO who now leads a publishing and communications business. Great mind when it comes to writing — copy that’s unique, well-researched, and effective. She sees AI not as a publisher, but as an assistant editor.

Zirinsky’s a bit of a compass for me personally, keeping me in check on some of my ideas. She had just joined ProVisors, a national networking organization, and was surprised to hear that LexBlog powers the publishing network for its members with our Syndication Portal solution. I look forward to working with Paula on a few things.

In the end, it comes down to relationships—talking and learning. That’s why getting out of the office — even when it’s inconvenient — is always worth it.

Look me up if you want to meet, I am here through Wednesday.