Wolters Kluwer’s ELM Amplify 2024 user conference was a dynamic event designed to empower legal professionals with actionable strategies and tools to drive success. On the last day, attendees gathered for the session “Final Takeaways: Turning Insight into Action for Real Impact,” hosted by Jennifer McIver and Vince Venturella of Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions. This interactive discussion offered a valuable opportunity for participants to reflect on their most meaningful insights, share ideas, and prepare to implement impactful changes within their organizations.
The value of reflection and action
As Jennifer McIver and Vince Venturella noted, a key part of Amplify’s mission is to ensure attendees leave not only inspired but equipped with practical ideas to elevate their work. This session encouraged participants to consolidate their learnings from the conference, exchange perspectives with peers, and strategize on how to apply newfound knowledge to their unique challenges and goals.
One attendee highlighted how dedicating time to learn during the conference sparked ideas for aligning with her organization’s new general counsel and evolving priorities. The session served as a valuable starting point to explore new possibilities and approaches.
Key takeaways and lessons
Throughout the conference, participants gained valuable insights from diverse panel discussions and hands-on sessions. Standout themes included conversations that featured organizations of varying sizes and industries. Attendees reflected on vendor management practices, exploring different approaches to enforcing billing and staffing policies with outside counsel, and how these strategies could be scaled to fit their own organizational needs.
Participants also deepened their understanding of ELM Solutions tools and features, noting:
- Additional TyMetrix 360° capabilities that one participant said she plans to implement for her organization as soon as possible, after learning about them in conference sessions
- Predictive Insights, enabling data-driven decisions about matter assignments with firm rankings based on budget and other criteria chosen by the client
- Excitement about upcoming features and their potential applications, as revealed in Amplify-only roadmap previews
Generative AI was another focal point. While a few attendees were skeptical, most saw the potential for matter summaries, predictive tools, and other operational enhancements. Discussions highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with data security, with providers addressing safety concerns and demonstrating the reliability of AI-driven solutions.
Practical skills
Participants discussed the actionable advice provided by the conference sessions and how it could enhance their operations and strategic approaches. For example:
Sharpening communication strategy: In our guest keynote session with bestselling author Victoria Labalme, attendees learned to craft a “through line” for their projects and presentations, ensuring clarity and focus. A suggestion was made to end meetings with strong takeaways, akin to a closing legal argument, rather than concluding with a Q&A.
Flexibility in assumptions: A memorable analogy compared rigid assumptions to writing in Sharpie, while adaptable planning was likened to using a pencil—a reminder to stay open to change.
Making the invisible visible: Legal operations professionals were encouraged to improve how they demonstrate their work’s value to stakeholders, bridging gaps in understanding.
The session also emphasized the power of embracing vulnerability by asking and answering tough questions, even when answers are not immediately clear, and it’s necessary to admit you aren’t sure yet. Attendees reflected on how these strategies could help improve not only their processes but also their relationships with colleagues and outside counsel.
The power of collaboration
A consistent theme of the session was the value of connecting with peers and sharing knowledge. Vince Venturella highlighted that organizations are at varying points along the legal maturity curve, and ELM Solutions aims to empower each client to take the next steps toward improvement and innovation. A setting like Amplify is an opportunity to check in with clients and help direct them toward the sessions and tools to help them make that progress.
Attendees also expressed interest in continuing the dialogue through platforms like the Legal Leaders Exchange podcast. Jennifer McIver extended an open invitation for attendees to share their success stories on the podcast, fostering a community of shared learning and growth. The ELM Solutions team also suggested attendees keep updated via the company’s website and email newsletter for information on upcoming:
- Thought leadership events
- Industry-specific client focus groups
- Solution user group
- Regional meetings
- Association and industry events that ELM Solutions participates in throughout the year
The “Final Takeaways” session epitomized the collaborative and action-oriented spirit of the 2024 ELM Amplify conference. By reflecting on key insights, sharing strategies, and committing to actionable goals, attendees prepared to make a strong impact upon returning to their organizations.
For those eager to continue the conversation and explore more success stories, the Legal Leaders Exchange podcast offers an excellent platform to stay engaged and inspired, and clients are already planning to attend ELM Amplify 2025 in Orlando next November.
