The LegalTech AI Boom: Where Are We Now, and Where Are We Going?
AI is reshaping the legal landscape at unprecedented speed. From generative drafting tools and AI-native legal platforms to embedded compliance systems and governance-by-design, legal technology is rapidly moving from experimentation to infrastructure.
But where are we really in the LegalTech AI cycle? And what comes next?
Join us during SXSW for a candid conversation at the intersection of law, technology, and product innovation. This panel brings together leaders from across the ecosystem: legal tech founders, in-house counsel, product executives, and operators to unpack what’s actually working, what’s overhyped, and how AI is transforming both the practice of law and the companies building the tools.
Featured speakers include:
Leslie Witt, Chief Product Officer at 8am
Eric Leventhal, Assistant General Counsel at Squarespace & Adjunct Professor at The University of Texas School of Law
Sujith Jose, Founder at Candle AI
Special guest moderator: Colleen Joyce, CEO of Lawyer.com
Together, they’ll explore:
How AI is being integrated into real legal workflows today
What legal teams should be building toward—not just buying
Governance, data rights, and regulatory realities in an AI-first world
Where founders, firms, and investors should be paying attention next
This event marks the inaugural gathering of LEX Texas, a new Austin-based community built to bring together law firms, attorneys, legal tech founders, and operators who are shaping the future of legal innovation. Our goal is simple: create a consistent forum in Texas where the legal and technology ecosystems can connect, collaborate, and build together.
The discussion will be followed by a casual reception with drinks and bites—an opportunity to continue the conversation with fellow builders, legal leaders, and innovators in an informal setting.
We’re grateful to our generous sponsors at Orrick and 8am and the founding members of LEX Texas: Candle AI and CollBox.
About the Hosts:
Orrick — Orrick is a tech-focused law firm passionate about helping entrepreneurs, innovators and investors push boundaries. Through our extensive client portfolio, deal volume, and relationships in the ecosystem, we provide commercial insight to each client’s strategy. From financing to protecting IP to retaining talent to advocating for innovation-friendly public policy, we offer a holistic solution across the tech & venture lifecycle.
Candle AI - Based in Austin, Candle AI helps legal teams respond to client emails faster and save 1–2 hours every day by surfacing relevant client, case, and regulatory info directly inside Gmail or Outlook, paired with AI-powered draft responses and smart templates.
CollBox - CollBox is an accounts receivable platform built for law firms that automates and manages the entire past-due invoice follow-up process. By combining AI-driven workflows with a team of trained specialists, CollBox helps firms get paid faster, reduce administrative burden, and eliminate the awkwardness of chasing clients for payment—so attorneys can stay focused on practicing law.