“Come Smart, Leave Smarter, and Connected.”
That’s the driving motto of the SOLID Summit, an event hosted by the Cowen Group. More than just a gathering, this summit brings TED-style talks to life. Industry leaders share their journeys through the shifting legal landscape—discussing everything from evolving legal practices to cutting-edge technology and career navigation.
I had the privilege of attending the SOLID Summit last week at the beautiful Omni Hotel in San Francisco, CA, and true to its promise, I walked away not only wiser, but more connected. The energy was set from the start when Bradley Johnston took the stage, offering a roadmap to maximize our experience: “Learn two things, and apply them within two weeks.” His advice resonated—whatever our takeaways, we should relax, tell stories, and climb the jungle gym together.
Some of the standout sessions brought insights from top law firms, strategies for driving change in massive public corporations, and personal narratives tracing the twists and turns of legal careers. Each talk was a window into the future of law, making the SOLID Summit a place where knowledge meets action and connections spark new possibilities.
The Practice of Law: Evolving Beyond Tradition
In today’s fast-changing legal landscape, law firms can no longer rely solely on precedent and expertise—they must innovate, strategize, and offer value in new, transformative ways. It’s no longer just about providing legal services; it’s about becoming a true partner in a client’s success.
Lori Almon, Chair & Managing Partner at Seyfarth Shaw, shared a powerful approach to redefining legal practice. Align with your client’s goals from the start, she advised, emphasizing the need for law firms to move beyond reactive problem-solving to take a proactive stance.
Transparency is another pillar of success—leveraging shared data fosters open communication, creating a foundation of trust. But the real differentiator? Collaboration. By working closely with clients and embracing innovative problem-solving, firms don’t just offer legal guidance—they become indispensable allies in navigating an increasingly complex world.
Adopting New Technology: Leading Change, Not Just Managing It
Rolling out a new enterprise-wide software isn’t just about flipping a switch—it’s about shifting mindsets. Change management is crucial, but as Anna Richards, then Director of Global Legal Operations at John Deere (now working for Eudia as Transformation Lead), emphasized, true success requires change leadership.
Anna took us behind the scenes of her journey implementing a company-wide Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system at John Deere, a process filled with both challenges and invaluable lessons. Her biggest takeaways?
- Define Clear Roles & Responsibilities: Without clear decision-making authority, projects stall. Assign ownership early to ensure accountability at every stage.
- Messaging Matters—And Repetition is Key: Gaining buy-in from stakeholders and end users isn’t a one-and-done conversation. You’ll need to communicate, refine, and communicate again to turn skeptics into champions.
- Know Your ‘Why’: A technology upgrade isn’t just about new tools—it’s about a strategic shift. Being crystal clear on the reason for change helps maintain momentum and alignment across the organization.
Anna’s insights underscored a universal truth: technology alone doesn’t drive transformation—people do. And leading them through change takes more than a roadmap; it takes vision, persistence, and the ability to turn uncertainty into opportunity.
A Non-Linear Career Path: The Power of Relationships
Careers rarely follow a straight line—and often, the most rewarding journeys are the ones shaped by unexpected turns. Michelle Lange, now an eDiscovery Manager at Volkswagen, shared how the relationships she nurtured throughout her career became the guiding force behind her path.
While professional connections opened doors, it was her most personal relationship that made the biggest impact. When Michelle was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work abroad in Europe for six months, the decision wasn’t just hers to make—it was a leap that would affect her entire family. With four children at home, accepting the role meant leaning on the unwavering support of her husband.
“They gave me the support I needed to take the risk,” Monica shared, her voice filled with gratitude. The experience not only advanced her career but showed her that bold career moves are rarely made alone—they’re built on a foundation of trust, partnership, and the people who believe in you. Her story served as a reminder that no matter how non-linear the path, the relationships we invest in—both personally and professionally—can become the greatest catalysts for growth.
The Magic of Unexpected Connections
Perhaps my favorite part of SOLID wasn’t just the insightful sessions—it was the unexpected connections that never would have happened had I not attended. One that stood out was meeting Nishan DeSilva who enthusiastically shared how he was using ChatGPT to weigh his options on which hybrid car to buy. As the conversation flowed, we quickly discovered a shared love for Costco—a seemingly random commonality that sparked an easy, entertaining dialogue.
What started as a lighthearted exchange soon turned into an exciting opportunity when Nishan invited a group of us to visit Microsoft in Seattle, offering to teach us how to build an app. These are the kinds of moments that make conferences like this invaluable—not just learning from the speakers, but forming meaningful, spontaneous connections that open new doors in ways you never expect.
A Tapestry of Growth: Lessons from the SOLID Summit
As the SOLID Summit came to a close, one theme resonated across every story and session: growth isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about adaptability, relationships, and the courage to embrace change. Whether it’s reimagining the practice of law, leading the adoption of new technology, or navigating a non-linear career path, success is rarely a solo endeavor. It requires strategic thinking, bold decision-making, and the right people by your side.
The speakers reminded us that innovation in any field—whether legal, technological, or personal—demands collaboration, resilience, and a willingness to step outside our comfort zones. From aligning with client goals to winning over stakeholders, and from taking career leaps to building trust through transparency, each insight shared was a testament to the power of connection and continuous learning.
But beyond the lessons, what I’ll remember most are the moments of genuine connection—the casual conversations that sparked new friendships, fresh perspectives, and unexpected opportunities.
As I walked away from the summit, I felt not only smarter but more inspired and connected. And perhaps that’s the real magic of events like this—not just gaining knowledge but finding the people and ideas that push us forward.
Until next time, let’s keep learning, innovating, and climbing that jungle gym together.
Sue Fong
Author
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Sue serves as Director of Legal Services for the West Coast at TCDI. She is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over 20 years of experience providing legal services and software to her corporate and law firm clients. Her journey, starting out as an attorney document reviewer, has given her a better understanding of the problems her clients face, especially when it comes to dealing new technology and the increased volume of data that litigation professionals have to manage. When she is not working, she can be found hiking Mount Tam or cooking up new recipes for family and friends. Learn more about Sue >
