Last week, I had the privilege of attending the SOLID New York conference at the Westin Times Square in New York City. The event brought together a dynamic mix of legal professionals, innovators, and thought leaders who are disrupting the status quo and reshaping the future of the industry.
It was my first time attending a SOLID Summit event, and what stood out to me the most wasn’t just the quality of the content but the openness of the conversations and the sense of community that permeated the sessions. Several important topics were addressed, but a few themes really stood out:
The Power of Community and Relationships
Several speakers reminded us that no one thrives in isolation. They emphasized that surrounding yourself with a small but trusted circle of confidants and supporters is not only helpful, it’s essential. SOLID reinforces that idea by fostering connections across organizations and disciplines, something I could really feel in the welcoming, candid conversations I had.
I was struck by how many attendees described community as a source of strength. In our industry, where challenges can be complex and decisions carry weight, having both internal and external relationships is critical to long-term success. These connections provide perspective and help us grow. None of us can navigate these challenges alone, so it’s essential to have the right people in your corner. I’ve always felt this, so it was nice to hear it echoed throughout the event.
Being Bold, Taking Risks, and Confronting Imposter Syndrome
Another recurring theme was the importance of courage. The final session of the day, “Innovation in Action: One Bold Move Changing Legal,” tackled this topic head-on. Led by Nicole Langston (Head of eDiscovery, Counsel, Barclays) and Stacy Lettie (Chief of Staff to the General Counsel, Organon), the panel shared their stories and credited their success to a willingness to take risks, step into the spotlight, and do the hard things others were hesitant to do. For them, success often means carving new paths rather than following established ones.
Throughout the day, a refreshing level of honesty and vulnerability was also shared. More than one speaker admitted to feeling like a “fraud” when stepping into new leadership roles or navigating setbacks. That acknowledgment resonated with me. It was a reminder that imposter syndrome is common, even among highly accomplished professionals, and embracing discomfort is often part of the growth process. Sometimes the boldest thing to do is simply believe in yourself and take a step forward anyway.
Industry Shifts: Balancing Resources and Monitoring Changes
On the business side, sessions and roundtable conversations highlighted some of the pressing challenges that corporate legal departments face today:
- Finding the right balance between insourcing and outsourcing was one of the biggest challenges highlighted.
- Predictable budgets remain a priority, but variability continues to complicate the equation for legal teams.
- Keeping up with an industry that is evolving faster than ever is rewarding but difficult. In fact, one service provider shared that some of its fastest revenue growth has come from practices that didn’t even exist four years ago. It was a striking illustration of how quickly things are changing.
And like most conferences this year, the rise of AI was a recurring topic throughout the day. From handling AI-generated deepfakes in eDiscovery to utilizing Agentic AI to test hypotheses and connect facts at scale, SOLID NYC truly dove into how GenAI is transforming the way litigators approach eDiscovery and the importance of staying agile.
The discussions made me think of TCDI’s Tech Lab and how we are actively investing in researching new technology to offer our clients the most efficient and defensible solutions for their matters. Staying ahead of the curve is becoming increasingly critical in the world of litigation, and I’m pleased that TCDI is positioned to safely lead our clients to the cutting edge of technology.
Final Thoughts
SOLID New York was more than just a conference. It was a space for candid conversations about leadership, innovation, and the human side of legal work. I enjoyed reconnecting with peers and meeting new faces. I walked away reminded of the importance of community and inspired by stories of resilience that were shared. Thank you to the Cowen Group for a wonderful opportunity to learn and connect with others!
Eric Toder
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Eric Toder is a seasoned legal services executive with over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of driving growth and building lasting client relationships across diverse industries. As Vice President of Legal Services at TCDI, Eric thrives at developing strategic partnerships, leading high-impact sales teams, and identifying new opportunities in competitive markets.
Prior to TCDI, Eric is known for building networks and working with AMLAW 200 and Fortune 1000 Corporations to reduce costs and drive business efficiencies providing both proactive and reactive solutions to complex litigation, regulatory and investigatory matters. Learn more about Eric >
