Legalweek 2024 was more than an industry gathering — it was a defining moment of connection, visibility, and leadership for BUiLT and the broader legal technology community. At a time when artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and data governance are rapidly reshaping the practice of law, BUiLT created intentional space for dialogue centered on equity, innovation, and influence.

Across two signature events, BUiLT convened leaders, innovators, and allies to explore what it means to lead at the intersection of law and technology — not only as practitioners, but as architects of the future.

2nd Annual BUiLT Meeting & Cocktail Reception

January 31 | NY Hilton Midtown

The Rendezvous Trianon Room at the NY Hilton Midtown was filled wall-to-wall with energy as Black legal tech professionals and allies gathered for BUiLT’s 2nd Annual Meeting & Cocktail Reception. The evening was designed to foster meaningful networking, strengthen professional relationships, and elevate conversations about advancement in a technology-driven legal landscape.

The program featured award-winning journalist Diane King Hall in conversation with Laurie Robinson Haden, author, attorney, and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC).

Diane King Hall, a nationally recognized anchor and broadcast journalist with deep experience covering global markets, business, and economic policy, brought a sharp lens to the discussion. Her background in financial reporting and corporate leadership coverage provided a compelling bridge between business performance, regulatory environments, and the evolving legal tech ecosystem. With technology transforming capital markets, compliance, and enterprise risk management, Diane skillfully framed the conversation around how visibility, influence, and narrative shape leadership in high-stakes industries.

Laurie Robinson Haden, a Harvard-educated attorney and former Am Law 100 partner, is the founder and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color — an organization that has grown into a global network of senior in-house counsel and law firm leaders. Laurie’s career spans complex litigation, corporate advisory work, and executive leadership, positioning her uniquely at the intersection of law, governance, and corporate strategy. Through CCWC, she has built a platform that champions leadership pipelines in environments increasingly shaped by technology, data privacy, regulatory change, and global risk.

During the conversation, Laurie reflected on navigating legal leadership in an era defined by digital disruption. From boardroom accountability to innovation in corporate legal departments, she emphasized that today’s leaders must understand not only the law, but also the technological forces reshaping it. She also signed copies of her book It’s Time to Shine, encouraging attendees to claim space, influence policy, and step boldly into leadership roles within legal technology.

The evening underscored a core truth: in a profession being transformed by AI, automation, and data analytics, representation and leadership are not optional — they are essential.

BUiLT Closing Session: Happy Hour & Thought Leadership

February 1 | The Palm, Midtown

BUiLT closed out Legalweek with a forward-looking discussion and networking happy hour at The Palm, bringing the focus squarely onto one of the most pressing topics in legal technology: responsible AI.

The session featured Dominique Shelton Leipzig, Partner at Mayer Brown and author of Trust: Responsible AI, Innovation, Privacy and Data Leadership. Dominique is a nationally recognized authority in cybersecurity, privacy, and data governance. As leader of Mayer Brown’s Ad Tech Privacy & Data Management team and its Global Data Innovation team, she advises multinational corporations on navigating regulatory frameworks, data ethics, and AI governance strategies.

Her presentation cut through the noise surrounding artificial intelligence and centered on a critical question: How can organizations innovate boldly while building cultures grounded in trust?

Dominique provided practical strategies for legal and technology leaders seeking to engage CEOs, boards, and executive teams on responsible AI adoption. She emphasized that trust is not a compliance checkbox — it is a strategic advantage. For legal professionals operating in an environment of algorithmic decision-making, predictive analytics, and automated workflows, understanding privacy, governance, and ethical guardrails is fundamental to long-term success.

With CLE accreditation pursued (including ethics credit), the session reinforced BUiLT’s commitment not only to community building but also to substantive professional development.

The event concluded with a celebratory networking happy hour marking both the close of Legalweek and the beginning of Black History Month — a powerful reminder that innovation and inclusion must move forward together.

Looking Ahead

Legalweek 2024 affirmed that BUiLT is not simply participating in the legal tech conversation — we are helping shape it.

As law firms, corporations, and courts navigate AI integration, cybersecurity risks, and digital transformation, leadership at the intersection of law and technology has never been more critical. Through curated programming, strategic dialogue, and community building, BUiLT continues to create space for professionals to lead that future with confidence, competence, and clarity.

The momentum continues — and the work is just beginning.