Across nearly every conversation, the same questions kept surfacing: What value does this technology actually bring? How do we introduce it in a way that supports our goals? And how do we guide our people through those transitions in a practical, sustainable way? 

There’s no shortage of innovation in legal tech. But what firms are really looking for is impact - and that starts with change management. The most engaged discussions weren’t just about features or platforms. They were about how to evolve business processes to better support profitability, resourcing, and visibility. 

At BigHand, we believe that meaningful innovation comes from solving real problems, not chasing trends. We’re focused on helping firms drive value quickly by ensuring our products not only deliver insights, but also integrate into their broader tech stacks and support real behavioral change across the firm. 

AI Talk is Cheap, Insight Delivery Isn’t

As expected, artificial intelligence was a hot topic. But beyond the buzz, most firms were asking: how can AI actually help us? 

Aderant demonstrated what practical AI can look like in their Sierra platform. Their thoughtful, user-focused approach mirrors how we think about AI at BigHand: as a tool to support people - not to replace them. 

Many AI solutions on the market are exciting on paper, but if they don’t enhance workflows, empower users, or help you make better decisions, the value quickly fades. Some of our clients want automation, but they also want control. That’s why we are exploring ways to solve real, everyday problems - reducing repetitive tasks while preserving flexibility, and using natural language to make accessing and acting on insights easier. 

Most importantly, we’re exploring how to leverage the rich data already in our tools - data about people, time, workflow, and finances - to help firms make faster, more informed decisions that truly impact their business. 

Practical Insights from the Sessions

While not the central themes of the conference, a few key learnings stood out from sessions I attended: 

1. FinOps Needs a Seat at the Table

The session From Hours to Outcomes emphasized how disconnected many firms still are when it comes to pricing and billing. Just 12% of firms reported having those teams fully aligned - something that has a clear impact on realization and profitability. 

It reinforced what we’ve long believed at BigHand: that financial insight should be embedded from matter planning through to billing. Firms are strongest when their financial operations teams are empowered with the right data, at the right time, to shape outcomes proactively. 

2. Talent Challenges Are Often Data Challenges

Another strong message came from the session Better Together, which highlighted the persistent disconnect between docketing, workload transparency, and resourcing decisions. With 78% of firms lacking insight into utilization, it’s no surprise that many still rely on informal tools and gut feel to manage capacity. 

These aren’t issues you can manage in an email thread, but you can detect and pre-empt them in integrated performance and timekeeping data - exactly the kind of insights BigHand Resource Management and BigHand Impact Analytics are built to deliver. When talent is managed with insight, not instinct, firms are better equipped to retain top performers and forecast future capacity with confidence. 

What Matters Most 

Ultimately, firms understand that connected insights can unlock powerful business outcomes. But that potential is only realized when the people and processes around those tools are supported too. Step one? Ensuring cloud-based products and firm technology stacks work together to provide visibility across financial, people, and operational data. 

Momentum 2025 wasn’t just a celebration of new features or flashy capabilities. It was a reminder that firms are evolving - on their own terms - and the legal tech that succeeds will be the kind that meets them there with real-world solutions, seamless integration, and meaningful change. At BigHand, we’re proud to be champions of change. Whether you’re looking to empower your billing teams, bridge the talent-data divide, or deploy tech that actually delivers, we can help. Interested in learning more? Let’s talk.