Program Overview

2026 FUTURES CONFERENCE

Leading in the Intelligent Era: Human Judgment, Shared Leadership, and the Future of Legal Service

Dates:

• Monday, February 23, 2026 – Black-tie Reception and Dinner Celebrating Class of 2026 New Fellow inductees and the Michael Mills InnovAction Award winner; 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Eastern Time (location: "Robert," 2 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019)
• Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – Educational Sessions; 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Eastern Time with a cocktail reception from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Eastern Time; Dutch Treat Dine-Around Dinners—watch for sign-up opportunities closer to the event
• Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – 8:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time 

Click here for calendar item and here to register.

Location: 

Practising Law Institute's Anita C. Shapiro Conference Center, 1177 6th Ave., New York, NY 10036. This state-of-the-art facility is situated in midtown Manhattan, which embodies the principle that "the best opportunities arise when we come together to meet, discuss, share, and learn from each other." It honors the legacy of PLI's President Emerita, the first woman to hold their presidency, who served until  her passing in 2020. Anita was also a College of Law Practice Management Fellow.  

2026 Conference Chair:

Kristen Bateman Leis, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, Parker Poe.  

Highlights:

The 2026 Futures Conference invites leaders across the legal ecosystem to New York City for an inspiring, forward-looking experience that blends community, innovation, and human-centered leadership, highlighted by the return of the College’s Black Tie Gala to honor the Class of 2026 Fel­lows and the Michael Mills InnovAction Award winner. Over two days of keynotes, hands-on labs, intergenerational exchange, and thoughtful peer collaboration, attendees will explore the forces reshaping legal service, including the rise of intelligent systems, shifting client expecta­tions, evolving professional identities, and new opportunities to expand access to justice, while empha­sizing the enduring importance of human judgment, creativity, and leadership in guiding change. Partici­pants will learn, experiment, reflect, and practice together, gaining new approaches to communication, innovation, and leadership, deepening their understanding of the trans­forming legal ecosystem, and experiencing the power of the Fellows community. They will leave inspired, connected, and equipped with shared language and renewed purpose to carry momentum back to their organizations, clients, and communities.

Keynote Addresses:

 Day 1—Rethinking Legal Expertise in the Age of AI: How judgment, value, and professional identity evolve when machines can reason

• Richard Susskind, CBE, KC (Hon.) 

Richard Susskind will deliver an energizing and thought-provoking address drawn from his forthcoming book on how to think differently about artificial intelligence in law. He will challenge attendees to reimagine what legal service means in an age of intelligent systems and exponential change.

Day 2—Leadership 2.0: Creating Connection Through Storytelling and Humor

• Beth Sherman 

Beth is a seven-time Emmy Award winning writer and former executive producer for shows you know and love whose work has shaped some of the most recognizable voices in media. Today, she coaches senior leaders across industries on how to communicate with authenticity, build trust through clarity, and use narrative as a strategic leadership tool. Her approach blends creativity, emotional intelligence, and practical techniques that help leaders influence, inspire, and guide others through moments of change.

As the pace of transformation accelerates, leadership requires more than directing strategy. It requires helping people make meaning. Drawing on her writing and coaching experience, Beth will explore how storytelling and humor strengthen human connection, deepen trust, and support cultures navigating uncertainty.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to—and learn from—the coalition of leaders shaping the future of law. Watch for details about our sessions and presenters later this summer! 

Click here to register.