If something troubled you constantly, day after day—would you accept it, or find a new way? If the old ways didn’t actually solve any problems, would you take a leap and fix them?
“Innovation transpires when we refuse to accept that the standard practices of the present are suitable for the future,” says Jenna Rooney, head of client enablement at Arete. And as the winner of two 2024 Innovation Awards—for Best Innovator: Security and Customer Service—Jenna knows a thing or two about pushing boundaries to reimagine what’s possible.
The Relativity Innovation Awards were created to celebrate this visionary drive toward change and the people who power it. In the twelve years since the show's inception, we’ve been blown away again and again by the curious changemakers whose bold vision and masterful execution lift legal data intelligence to unimagined heights.
But innovation is more than clever ideas and smarter workflows. It’s the hopeful obstinance of never accepting that the status quo is the only way. And that requires a powerful force of imagination, persistence, and the optimistic belief that better is always possible.
It’s a force that might just give you the solution to that nagging problem you can’t seem to solve.
Outpacing the Rate of Change
As the legal tech industry continues to evolve with exploding data volumes, burgeoning AI advancements, and frequently shifting legal parameters, the Innovation Awards have grown and expanded to embrace this changing landscape.
“Being part of the Innovation Awards show for the past eight years has been an incredible privilege,” says Mike Obregon, manager of sales engineering at Relativity, long-time Innovation Awards co-program manager, and five-time show host. “I’ve had a front-row seat to its transformation—from a small celebration of creativity to a powerful platform that honors the trailblazers shaping our industry.”
Innovation doesn’t react to the rate of change; it defines it. And the Innovation Awards’ community of changemakers stands at the helm of tomorrow, building the future that legal tech needs, one big idea at a time.
A Round of Applause
Even for the audience, the show makes an impact.
“Over the past 10 years, I've made every effort to attend the Innovation Awards,” says Clair Atkins, a program manager for academic communities at Relativity, who joined the Innovation Awards team this year. “It was amazing being part of the audience, seeing the thought and planning that went into the technical innovations, and the passion and dedication exemplified by the individual innovators. Cheering for the nominees (some of whom are close friends) and tearing up over just how proud I am of them all. It has always been one of my favorite events!”
Now an indispensable part of the awards team, Clair’s peek behind the scenes has shown her the care and sincerity that go into every show.
“Now, to be a member of the Relativity Innovation Awards team,” Clair says, “I have seen firsthand how highly regarded those nominated are by their nominators and how seriously the nominees and finalists take their work. I am even prouder and more inspired to be a part of this brilliant community!”
Come Together, Right Now
When it all boils down, the driving force behind innovation will always be the people who power it. From promoting inclusion in the workplace, to clever applications of legal data intelligence, to expanding access to justice for those who need it most, it’s these champions of change who are doggedly moving the needle.
“Working on the Relativity Innovation Awards has been one of the most inspiring parts of my role,” says Kristi Schuda, a manager of events at Relativity and Innovation Awards co-program manager for the last four years. “It’s a year-round process that culminates on the big stage at Relativity Fest, and being part of it behind the scenes has sparked so much creativity and awe.
“I love seeing how passionate people are about pushing boundaries and building something meaningful—it’s a powerful reminder of what innovation looks like when it’s driven by heart.”
What’s maybe most profound about the Innovation Awards is the community these trailblazers have cultivated: a community of people who care so much that they’re rigorously stoking the flames of innovation with their passion, time, and expertise.
What truly makes this community special is its heart: the generosity, collaboration, and relentless drive to make legal work better for everyone. Innovation isn’t just a theme at Relativity Fest—it’s the energy that fuels every conversation, every connection, and every breakthrough. It’s that passion, shared by this community, that makes Fest unlike anything else.”
– Mike Obregon, Manager of Sales Engineering, Relativity
Your Changemaker Toolkit
But how can other legal tech professionals harness this spirit of innovation to make their own waves?
“What excites me most is seeing how data has evolved into legal data intelligence,” Mike shares, “empowering teams to solve problems in smarter, more impactful ways.”
Which means big opportunities to find better ways to work.
“Innovators must maintain a spirit of curiosity, a willingness to fail, and a collaborative mindset,” Jenna advises. “They should pursue unexpected solutions, unconventional ideas, and a dedication to progress and empower the next generation of professionals.”
“In an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape with exponential volumes of data, innovators should operate under the belief that challenges are inevitable, new ideas are worthwhile, and better is possible. When we lead with a spirit of genuine curiosity, we empower others to do the same.”
– Jenna Rooney, Director of Client Services & Data Breach Analysis Services, Arete
The call to action is clear: Put your heart into it. Let curiosity guide you. Learn from leaders you admire and then make something of your own.
And remember there’s no such thing as failure—only redirection. Growth requires friction, after all.
Find Yourself at Fest
The time to celebrate the mavericks building a brighter, bolder future for legal tech is just around the corner. And it’s their teams, clients, and the people whose own curious nature leads them to that auditorium who benefit the most. Each will experience, firsthand, how much any change—even if it’s small—and a little creativity can transform the impossible into the everyday.
This innovative spirit is woven throughout Relativity Fest—from speakers delivering groundbreaking insights to the hallway buzz of new friends forming lasting connections. It’s in every aha moment, every napkin-scribbled note, and every clever solution that ripples out across the community to spark more solutions.
That’s the power of the Innovation Awards. That’s the magic of Fest. But you have to see it to believe it.
Your next big idea awaits.
Don’t miss the Innovation Awards at Relativity Fest!
Thursday, October 9 at 4:00 p.m. CT in the Grand Ballroom
Graphics for this article were created by Caroline Patterson.
