Thomson Reuters Partner Webinar: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Legal Profession Challenges

Recorded On: 03/26/2026

In the past several years, law libraries have become accustomed to change. AI is changing how lawyers work, while external economic shifts and evolving client and patron expectations have forced organizations to re-evaluate their business models. As we enter 2026, this uncertainty shows no signs of abating. The challenge for firms and legal professionals is clear: How can you stay ahead of the curve when the map is constantly changing?

Join the Thomson Reuters Institute and more as they explore the latest data and insights from TRI's most recent reports, including the 2026 AI in Professional Services Report. A panel will provide benchmarking data around how firms are approaching this uncertain future.

While tailored to the needs of law firm librarians, the discussion will provide all law library and information professionals a path to helping chart a way forward in these uncertain waters.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Those who are a part of technology planning, implementation, training or strategy at their organizations (particularly law firms), and those who want to better plan for the future of law

TAKEAWAYS:

Benchmark where their firm or organization sits in terms of AI maturity.
Identify the pain points where AI projects fail and how they can be overcome.
Make themselves a crucial part of the AI planning process by identifying new trends and strategies ahead of time.

MODERATOR:

Zach Warren, Thomson Reuters Institute

SPEAKERS:

Deborah Grimm, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
Leanna Simon, Honigman LLP

AALL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS: Information Management, Management + Business Acumen

CANCELLATION AND OTHER POLICIES

No refunds will be given for any purchased live AALL webinar. This applies to non-AALL members only as AALL webinars are free for AALL members.

All AALL webinars include live captioning services.

The opinions shared during this program represent the views of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Recording, capturing, or using AI tools to duplicate, transcribe, or otherwise reproduce an AALL program in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from AALL. This includes, but is not limited to audio, video, or any other content shared. By attending an AALL program or accessing an AALL recording, you agree to adhere to this policy.

Zach Warren (Moderator)

Technology and Innovation Insights Lead

Thomson Reuters Institute

Warren leads technology and innovation content and research for the Thomson Reuters Institute. With the Institute, Warren has helmed multiple research projects on technology in professional services, including a series of Generative AI reports for the legal and tax industries, the Digital Strategy Report for law firms, the Tax Technology Report in conjunction with the Tax Executive Institute, and others. Before Thomson Reuters, he was the editor-in-chief of ALM’s Legaltech News and regularly featured on Law.com, The American Lawyer, and ALM events such as Legalweek.

Deb Grimm

Research Services Manager

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP

Grimm has more than 25 years of experience in law firm research, including 16 years leading research, library, and intelligence teams in AmLaw 30 and AmLaw 100 firms. Her work spans embedded librarian programs, competitive intelligence, technology implementation, and the redesign of research services to improve visibility, efficiency, and value. She is a recognized voice on the responsible use of generative AI in legal research and has advised Thomson Reuters on Westlaw AI Assisted Research, participated in AI pilots, and developed AI supported workflows and training programs for attorneys and staff. She has presented on topics such as AI, value on investment, marketing research services, and the state of the profession at PLLIP, MAALL, and other organizations. Holding an MLS from Emporia State University and a BA with high distinction from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, she has served on advisory boards for Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg Law and is active in AALL and regional law library associations.

Leanna Simon

Director of Research & Intelligence

Honigman LLP

Simon leads research, resources, and competitive intelligence initiatives with a focus on leveraging emerging technologies to enhance legal service delivery. An active leader in the legal information community, she currently chairs the PLLIP Awards Committee and serves as a CRIV (Committee on Relations with Information Vendors) liaison for AALL. Simon is a frequent speaker on cutting-edge topics, recently presenting on artificial intelligence in library workflows, generative AI and its impact on legal services, and fostering firmwide collaboration. Her presentations address the practical implementation of emerging technologies and the evolving role of research services in law firms. Simon holds an MLIS from Wayne State University. She is also a two-time Emerging Leader Award recipient, honored by both AALL (2017) and PLLIP (2018) for her innovative approach to legal information services.