Insights From Relativity Fest 2023 with Phil Saunders, Dr. Aron Ahmadia, Hon. Toni Clarke, Jeff Henry and Stephanie Wilkins

Today Laura and Kevin chat about Relativity Fest 2023. Laura was onsite in Chicago while Kevin attended virtually. Laura spoke with the Honorable Judge Toni Clarke, Jeff Henry and Stephanie Wilkins on the floor and attended the press briefing where she had a chance to interview Relativity CEO Phil Saunders and Dr. Aron Ahmadia. Laura and Kevin talk about the sessions, the conference set up, the Innovation Awards, Phil Saunders’ take on sunsetting Relativity, Dr. Ahmadia’s take on incorporating generative AI into review and much more!

Relativity Fest is an annual conference held in Chicago designed to educate and connect the e-discovery community. It’s the place for legal and tech professionals to talk shop, connect with their peers, and learn from each other in panels, discussions, breakout sessions, networking events and trainings.

Phil Saunders is the CEO of Relativity. He is a seasoned technology executive with a hands-on approach to leading core company functions in hardware, software and SaaS, with specific experience in the information security, data protection, Human Resource (HR) tech, and quickly ramping in all things Legal Tech. Prior to joining Relativity, he was the CEO of Cornerstone on Demand and Saba Software. 

Dr. Aron Ahmadia is the Senior Director for Applied Science at Relativity, where he leads the development of AI capabilities for Relativity One, including AI-Assisted Review, Analytics, and Search. He is an internationally recognized expert on machine learning and artificial intelligence. His specializations include the use of AI in Legal Discovery, Model Risk Management, and Responsible AI. Dr. Ahmadia previously held an adjunct faculty position with George Washington University, and was an inaugural Professor of Computer Science at KAUST, where he taught one of the first coed classes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Ahmadia holds a Ph.D. in Applied Math from Columbia University and a B.S. in Computer Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

The Honorable Judge Toni Clark, was an Associate Judge in Prince George's County Circuit Court, 7th Judicial Circuit from 1998 to 2018 when she retired. She was a member of the Public Awareness Committee from 2001-15, the Maryland Judicial Conference, the Chair of the Public Defender Regional Advisory Board from 2001 to 2009. She was a member of the Court Access and Community Relations Committee and the Judicial Council. She was an Associate County Attorney in Prince George's County from 1987 to 1989. She was a Member of the Special Joint Committee on Minorities in the Legal Profession, a member of the  Redistricting Commission in Prince George's County in 1991, and a State's Attorney, Prince George's County from 1994-95. She also served a member of the  Governor's Task Force on Judicial Nominating Commissions and the State Administrative Board of Election Laws.

Jeff Henry is the Director of Sales at Hire Counsel. He is an experienced Director of Business Development with over 30 years of experience working in the legal services industry. He is a strong sales professional skilled in Litigation Management, Arbitration, Sales, Document Management, and Computer Forensics. He previously worked for Exterro, Aureus Tech Systems, ONE Discovery Inc., iCONECT, IPRO and IKON Office Solutions as well as others. 

Stephanie Wilkins is the Editor In Chief of Legaltech News. She is responsible for content and direction of the Legaltech News publication on the popular Law.com website. She writes on all issues pertaining to technology in the legal sector, with a particular emphasis on the generative AI. She is also a photographer, an AI and technology nerd, a former lawyer, an intrepid solo world traveler and a boxer in training.