Best Legal Conferences in 2026 (Curated for Serious Lawyers)

New year. New wave of legal conferences!

It's an exciting time to forge connections, borrow A+ growth systems, and get in those smoky rooms where multi-million-dollar deals are made.

But hey, there are literally hundreds of conferences every single year. If you’re going to step away from your firm, it should be for the right reasons.

So, where do you go to network with $10M+ business owners, law firm leaders, and operators?

This list is your North Star! We’ve already filtered and handpicked the best legal conferences to attend in 2026, based on who they’re for, what you’ll learn, and the caliber of people you’ll meet. Let's go!

Key Takeaways

Comprehensive 2026 Conference Calendar
We cover the most relevant legal conferences in 2026, including dates, locations, pricing, and focus areas.

Different Strokes
A mass tort attorney, legal ops leader, and firm owner won’t benefit from the same events. This list breaks down conferences by focus so you can choose wisely.

Find Your Networking Style
The article highlights a mix of large-scale conferences, specialized summits, hybrid events, and exclusive, invite-only gatherings.

Compare Events
Each conference includes practical information (what it covers, who it’s for, and why it’s worth attending), making it easy to compare options.

Best Conferences for Lawyers in 2026 to Attend

Regardless of practice area or firm size, you need to choose the right conference (niche-focused or broad-spectrum) that aligns with your goals. We'll explore the best legal conferences, covering dates, locations, prices, and more, to help you plan your attendance wisely.

— Legalweek New York 2026

Dates: March 9–12, 2026
Location: North Javits Center, New York, NY
Cost: $1,995 Full Conference Pass; $900/person Full Team Pass (5+)

Hailed as the biggest conference for the legal tech industry, Legalweek is where the sharpest minds gather to spot what’s next, pressure-test ideas, and build relationships that last a lifetime.

More than 6,000 attendees from 50+ countries come together for 4 action-packed days of education, networking, and hands-on exposure to the tools shaping modern law firms and legal departments.

With 400+ speakers and 100+ sessions, topics span AI, legal tech adoption, data privacy, litigation strategy, legal operations, and the business of law.

Who it’s for: Law firm leaders, in-house counsel, legal ops professionals, technologists, and decision-makers.

Why attend: Legalweek “hits all the marks for information, education, and networking,” making it one of the most valuable conferences on the 2026 legal calendar.

— ABA Techshow 2026

Dates: March 25–28, 2026
Location: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free Expo Pass available; full passes typically range between ~$800–$1,200.

ABA TECHSHOW is the epicenter of legal technology. Built to be highly practical, this 4-day event focuses on the tools lawyers use to run smarter, more efficient practices.

As an attendee, you'll dive into hands-on demos, real-world case studies, and CLE-packed sessions covering everything from automation and AI to cybersecurity, practice management, and client experience.

Be sure to check out the popular Startup Alley and Pitch Competition. It spotlights emerging legal tech before it goes mainstream!

Who it’s for: Solo and small firm lawyers, legal professionals, technologists, consultants, and anyone responsible for choosing or implementing legal tech.

Why attend: ABA TECHSHOW delivers concentrated, practical education you can apply immediately, making it one of the most useful legal tech conferences on the 2026 calendar.

— CLOC Global Institute

Dates: May 11–14, 2026
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: Starts around $945 for CLOC members; $1,395+ for non-members

If legal operations are your focus, this is your event.

CLOC Global Institute is where you step back from the day-to-day and rethink how your legal function runs. It shows you how to build intentional systems, smarter processes, and better collaborations.

You’ll spend 4 high-energy days exchanging ideas with legal ops leaders, in-house teams, and innovators who are solving the same challenges you are, at scale.

With over 200 speakers set to attend, you don't want to miss this one!

Who it’s for: Legal operations professionals, in-house legal leaders, and legal solutions providers driving transformation.

Why attend: CGI delivers practical strategies, powerful peer connections, and a clear roadmap for building stronger, more connected legal organizations.

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— Clio Cloud Conference

Dates: October 26–27, 2026
Location: Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA
Cost: Early pricing starts at $999 (regular price ~$1,899; refundable until May 1, 2026)

Want to future-proof your firm? ClioCon is where you do it!

Praised as one of the best legal tech conferences in the world, ClioCon is bringing thousands of legal professionals to Boston for one epic event.

Legal experts, industry leaders, and innovators will be right there with you, walking the floor, grabbing coffee, and having business-critical conversations.

And behind all the shine is a carefully curated agenda of workshops and thought leadership, built to help you break through business bottlenecks and unlock new growth.

Who it’s for: Solo attorneys, small and mid-sized firm owners, legal innovators, and growth-minded operators.

Why attend: You leave with clear strategies, sharper systems, and momentum you can act on immediately.

— LMA Annual Conference

Dates: April 20–22, 2026
Location: Hyatt Regency New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Cost: Starts around $1,685 for LMA members; $2,784+ for non-members

LMA26 is one of the largest global gatherings of legal marketing professionals.

You’ll hear from 160+ speakers across 30+ sessions, covering what’s working now: data-driven BD, client intelligence, generative AI, brand strategy, and client experience design!

What sets LMA apart is the audience. You’re surrounded by CMOs, BD leaders, and senior marketers from top firms, having real conversations about growth, reputation, and revenue.

Bonus: Bring your team. Group discounts and pre-conference sessions make this an easy choice for a team retreat.

Who it’s for: Law firm CMOs, marketing and BD leaders, and senior legal marketers.

Why attend: You leave with a sharper strategy, better benchmarks, and connections you’ll actually use back at the firm.

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— The Trial Lawyers Summit

Dates: January 25–28, 2026
Location: Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Miami, FL
Cost: $1,695-$1,995

Are you a civil plaintiff or criminal defense attorney? This is your conference!

The Trial Lawyers Summit runs across 4 days of high-impact sessions, networking, and skill-building that carry straight back into the courtroom.

You’ll sharpen your trial and business management skills while trading ideas with 1,500+ attorneys who are actively shaping the future of trial law.

Beyond the sessions, the Summit is known for its atmosphere: beachfront receptions, Hall of Fame celebrations, and invite-only moments that put you face-to-face with elite trial lawyers.

Who it’s for: Civil plaintiff and criminal defense attorneys who want to grow, lead, and stand out.

Why attend: You leave sharper, more confident, and plugged into a powerful trial-law network that lasts all year.

— Elevate - The Ultimate Growth Experience for Legal Professionals

Dates: February 20, 2026
Location: Orlando, FL
Cost: Early-bird pricing includes Free General Admission, $250 VIP Admission, and $500 Diamond Admission.

ELEVATE is built for the operators, managers, and growth drivers inside your firm; all the people actually responsible for results.

This 1-day, high-impact experience puts you face-to-face with legal professionals, hungry and ambitious enough to make disruptive moves and stay on the cutting edge.

You’ll walk away with proven frameworks for intake optimization, client experience, marketing, and operational efficiency. As one attendee stated, "Even if you just sat there and talked to the people in the room, you would gain a lot."

Who it’s for: Growth-minded law firm leaders and operators ready to play offense.

Why attend: You leave with clarity, confidence, and a concrete plan to push your firm to its next stage of growth.

— PILMMA Super Summit 2026

Dates: May 21–23, 2026
Location: San Antonio, TX
Cost: Starts around $1,597 for members and $2,297 for non-members

Do you run a personal injury firm? This is for you!

PILMMA Super Summit is built for law firm owners and leadership teams who want measurable growth.

Over 3 immersive days, you’ll tackle case intake, team performance, AI workflows, SEO/LSAs, and operational systems; with hands-on workshops, templates, and implementation labs you can use ASAP.

This is one conference to attend if you're serious about building a high-performing team.

As one law firm attendee stated, "I attribute a lot of my firm’s success and growth to what I learned at PILMMA!"

Who it’s for: Personal injury law firm owners, partners, and senior operators focused on growth.

Why attend: You leave with clearer systems, sharper execution, and a concrete plan to scale profitably.

— 2026 ACC Legal Ops Con

Dates: April 20–22, 2026
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: Ranges from $899–$1,534

Legal operators — this is one of the most practical rooms you can be in!

ACC Legal Ops Con brings together in-house legal ops professionals who are actively rethinking how legal departments run, across efficiency, technology, spend management, and service delivery.

It’s frequently described as a “must-attend event of the year” for legal ops leaders who want to drive real change.

You’ll explore proven frameworks like the ACC Legal Operations Maturity Model, and walk away with ideas you can apply immediately.

Who it’s for: In-house legal operations professionals, legal ops managers, and corporate legal leaders.

Why attend: You gain clarity on what “good” looks like in legal ops, and how to get your department there faster.

Why Should Lawyers Attend Legal Conferences in 2026?

The legal profession thrives on knowledge, connections, and adaptability. Here's why these must-attend events are worth your investment:

• Continuing legal education: Most legal conferences offer CLE credits, addressing the mandatory requirement of 12-15 credits annually for attorneys. These events deliver insights directly from experts, ensuring you’re equipped to handle the latest legal challenges.

• Building relationships: Conferences create environments rich with networking opportunities, allowing attorneys to connect naturally with peers. These interactions help you get attorney referrals and collaborative partnerships. Speak with attorneys across practice areas, including personal injury and immigration law.
• Promoting your services: Legal conferences bring together professionals from diverse fields, which offers you the opportunity to promote your firm.
• Time to relax: Taking a break from the daily grind can do wonders for your productivity and mental health. Conferences provide a chance to step away, recharge, and return to work with a fresh perspective—all while staying professionally engaged.

For savvy legal professionals, these conferences are more than educational checkboxes—they're catalysts for practice transformation. Those who consistently engage with these opportunities often find themselves ahead of legal community curves, building stronger practices through the powerful combination of knowledge and connection.

How to Make the Most Out of Attorney Conferences 2026

If you're an attorney, chances are you've attended your share of conferences. And while some may be more useful than others, there are ways to make the most out of any lawyer convention you attend. Here are some tips:

• Gain recognition: Stand out by becoming a speaker or session facilitator. Sharing your expertise not only boosts your visibility but also helps you build relationships with other attendees. It’s a surefire way to leave a lasting impression.
• Do your research: Before attending, research speakers and session topics. This ensures you focus on the most relevant content, whether it’s trial skills, legal tech, or other areas of interest. For more tips on sharing insights, check out this guide on blogging for lawyers.
• Take advantage of networking opportunities: Since conferences are where legal professionals gather, it is the ideal place for networking. Introduce yourself to peers, potential clients, and industry leaders to expand your professional circle.
• Remember what you learn: Take notes during sessions and review them later. This helps you retain valuable information and apply it effectively in your practice.
• Put your smartphone away: Keep your phone away during sessions and networking periods. Constantly checking your phone can leave a poor impression. If you must take a call, step out of the room to avoid disrupting others.
• Spread the word: Share your conference experience through blogs, mentorship, or speaking engagements. This not only reinforces your knowledge but also helps others in the legal industry benefit from your insights.

Turn Conference Connections into Paying Clients

Conferences offer incredible opportunities for law firm growth, especially with evolving technology. From niche summits to large-scale industry events, both in-person and virtual, there’s no shortage of options across the US. But impressing your peers and potential clients at these events isn’t enough, your online presence must seal the deal when they look you up afterward.

That’s where Grow Law, a leading law firm SEO agency, comes in. We specialize in SEO, PPC, and web design to ensure your firm stands out, ranks higher on search engines, and converts visitors into clients. Don’t let weak online visibility cost you business, let’s build your digital presence for long-term growth. Contact us today!