Scottsdale, Arizona | November 6, 2025
The future of the legal industry was on full display at the National ABS Law Firm Association’s 4th Annual Conference, held November 6, 2025, at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. The event brought together legal innovators, regulators, executives, and scholars from across the country to explore one of the most transformative shifts in modern law, the rise of alternative business structures and the evolution of legal services delivery.
From the opening remarks by Executive Director Farrin Holland, NALFA President Don Bivens, and Vice President Suzanne Porter, one message was clear: ABS is no longer an experiment. It is a movement reshaping the practice and business of law.
The morning sessions set the tone with a dynamic discussion on national legislative developments across Arizona, California, Washington, and Puerto Rico, led by Anu Sethee, Chase Hertel, and Bob Simon. Moderated by Don Bivens, the conversation highlighted how rapidly the ABS landscape is expanding and the need for thoughtful regulatory innovation as more jurisdictions explore similar reforms.
A major highlight came from Natalie Knowlton and David Engstrom of Stanford Law School, who examined the intersection of legal innovation and access to justice. Their remarks, paired with insights from Judge Anni Hill Foster of the Arizona Court of Appeals and Chief Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer of the Arizona Supreme Court, underscored the importance of collaboration among academia, the judiciary, and practitioners in shaping sustainable regulatory frameworks.
In the afternoon, attendees explored the operational realities of ABS ownership. Lynda Shely and David Majchrzak offered a practical compliance primer. They reviewed recent ACJA updates, while Andy Kvesic led a conversation with Seth Deutsch and Josh Porte on the rise of managed service organizations and how new business partnerships are influencing modern law firm growth. Presentations from IAALS, along with insights from Binh Dang and Neil Peretz, pushed forward the discussion on artificial intelligence, technology integration, and the responsible adoption of innovation.
Throughout the day, ABS firms, including Rasa Legal, KPMG Law, ClaimsHero, LawHive, McCarthy Family Law, and Redwood Grove, delivered concise presentations offering a firsthand look at their models, challenges, and early successes.
As always, NALFA paired education with meaningful connection. Attendees enjoyed the Espresso Bar, the Mimosa and Bloody Mary Break, and an evening reception on the Camelback Patio sponsored by Attorney Share. With desert views, live entertainment, and informal conversations, the reception offered the perfect close to a day of collaboration and insight.
By the end of the conference, attendees walked away energized and equipped with new strategies to navigate regulatory change, integrate emerging technologies, and lead in an era of non-traditional ownership models. With record engagement and participation, the 2025 NALFA Annual Conference reaffirmed the organization’s leadership in driving innovation across the legal industry. Planning is already underway for the 5th Annual Conference, which promises to expand on this year’s momentum and continue shaping the next chapter of modern legal practice.
