Skip to main content

Struggling to choose the right legal conference in 2025? You're not alone.

With so many events out there, it’s tough to know which ones will actually deliver value—whether that’s CLE credits, cutting-edge insights, or real networking potential. I’ve been in your shoes, sifting through endless agendas and wondering which conference is worth the flight, hotel, and days away from the office.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best continuing legal education (CLE) conferences in 2025—the ones that stand out for their content, speakers, networking opportunities, and industry relevance.

Here's a shortlist of the best continuing legal education conferences I think are worth attending:

  1. American Association for Justice Winter Convention - Miami, FL, USA (Feb. 15-18, 2025)
  2. Legal Marketing Association Annual Conference - San Diego, CA (Apr. 23-25, 2025)
  3. ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference - San Diego, CA (Apr. 25-26, 2025)
  4. LegalUp - Virtual (April 23-24, 2025)
  5. ABA Intellectual Property Law Spring Conference - Bethesda, MD (Apr. 30-May 2, 2025)
  6. MOSOLO Small Firm Conference - Osage Beach, Missouri, USA (Jun. 5-7, 2025)
  7. AILA Annual Conference - Denver, CO, USA (Jun. 18-21, 2025)
  8. Clio Cloud Conference - Boston, MA (Oct. 16-17, 2025)
  9. AIPLA 2025 Annual Meeting - Washington, DC, USA (Oct. 30 - Nov. 1, 2025)
  10. Legalweek - New York, NY (Mar. 9-12, 2026)
  11. Trial Lawyers Summit – Miami Beach, Florida, USA (Jan. 25-28, 2026)

Below are my summaries of the best continuing legal education conferences that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews look at each event’s dates, location, pricing, and unique offerings.

1. American Association for Justice Winter Convention - Miami, FL, USA (February 15-18, 2025)

The American Association for Justice Winter Convention

Overview:

The American Association for Justice Winter Convention is an annual event where trial lawyers gather to discuss the latest in trial advocacy and specialized topics. It offers Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs designed to help attorneys better represent their clients. The convention also provides opportunities to build connections and stay updated on developments in various practice areas.

Why you should attend:

Attending this convention will keep you and your team informed about the latest advancements in trial advocacy. The CLE programs are tailored to enhance your ability to represent clients effectively. Networking with fellow trial lawyers can lead to valuable connections and insights. Participating in Section, Litigation Group, and Committee meetings will help you stay ahead in your practice area.

Join our Newsletter

By submitting this form, you agree to receive our newsletter, and occasional emails related to The Legal Practice. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details, please review our Privacy Policy. We're protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Connect, learn & grow at the top event for legal marketing pros.

Overview:
The Legal Marketing Association Annual Conference is tailored for professionals in legal marketing and business development. It began over 40 years ago and has hosted industry leaders and innovators. The conference is known for its comprehensive sessions and networking opportunities.

Why you should attend:
You’ll gain insights from over 75 speakers and attend 30 targeted sessions. The event offers a platform for networking with nearly 1,000 legal marketers. You and your team will explore the latest trends and strategies in legal marketing. With a diverse range of exhibitors, you can discover new tools and technologies to enhance your practice.

3. ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference - Chicago, IL (April 25-26, 2025)

Connect, learn & network at the top dispute resolution event.

Overview:
The ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference is designed for professionals in dispute resolution, including mediators and arbitrators. It began over two decades ago and has featured experts in the field. The conference provides a platform for learning and networking within the dispute resolution community.

Why you should attend:
You'll explore the future of dispute resolution with sessions on current trends and practices. The conference offers in-person, hybrid, and online programs to accommodate diverse preferences. You and your team will network with professionals and gain insights from experienced speakers. It's an opportunity to enhance your skills and expand your professional connections in dispute resolution.

Level up your legal career with expert insights & top speakers at Legal Up.

Overview:
Legal Up is a virtual conference for legal professionals aiming to advance their careers. Since its inception in 2018, it has offered insights, motivation, and continuing education. Past events have featured notable speakers like Marisa Rivera and Barron K. Henley.

Why you should attend:
As a legal practice owner, attending Legal Up will provide you with fresh approaches and actionable strategies to navigate the unique challenges of the legal industry. The conference offers two learning tracks: Career Innovations and Practice Areas, covering topics from legal technology to specific fields like family law and business law. With over 10 free CLE-accredited courses, it's an efficient way to stay updated and earn credits without leaving your office.

5. ABA Intellectual Property Law Spring Conference - Arlington, VA (April 30-May 2, 2025)

Explore top IP law trends with industry leaders at this premier ABA event.

Overview:
The ABA Intellectual Property Law Spring Conference is aimed at professionals in the intellectual property sector. It began many years ago, focusing on trends and innovations in IP law. Past events have featured speakers from major corporations like Microsoft and AT&T.

Why you should attend:
You'll access over 20 CLE sessions and hear from leading industry experts. The conference provides excellent networking opportunities with IP professionals. You and your team will explore the latest advancements and strategies in intellectual property law. It's a chance to enhance your expertise and stay updated on industry trends.

6. MOSOLO Small Firm Conference - Osage Beach, Missouri, USA (June 5-7, 2025)

Networking & growth for solo & small firm lawyers at the MOSOLO Conference.

Overview: 

The MOSOLO Small Firm Conference is tailored for solo practitioners and small firm lawyers. It offers professional development opportunities and has been a staple event in Missouri's legal community for years. Past conferences have featured a variety of speakers and sessions relevant to small firm practice.

Why you should attend:

Attending this conference will provide you with practical insights and strategies specific to solo and small firm practice. You'll have the chance to network with peers facing similar challenges and learn from experts in the field. The event includes sessions on practice management, technology, and substantive law topics pertinent to your daily practice.

7. AILA Annual Conference - Denver, CO, USA (June 18-21, 2025)

Level up your immigration law game with expert insights & networking.

Overview:
The AILA Annual Conference is the premier event for immigration law professionals, including attorneys, paralegals, and law students. It offers numerous CLE-eligible sessions, networking opportunities, and expert guidance to enhance your practice.

Why you should attend:
Attending this conference will keep you updated on the latest developments in immigration law, helping you assist your clients competently. You'll gain insights from subject-matter experts and discover innovative strategies to make your practice more effective. The event also features an interactive exhibit hall showcasing products and services to enhance your practice.

8. Clio Cloud Conference - Boston, MA (October 16-17, 2025)

Clio Cloud Conference: Legal pros meet for top insights & tech trends.

Overview:
The Clio Cloud Conference is a major event for legal professionals, offering insights into legal tech and practice management. It started in 2013 and has featured speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk. The conference attracts a diverse audience from the legal industry.

Why you should attend:
You and your team will experience cutting-edge legal technology and practice management solutions. The conference offers CLE-eligible sessions and networking with industry leaders. You’ll gain insights from prominent speakers and engage with the latest legal tech trends. It’s an opportunity to connect with peers and enhance your practice.

9. AIPLA 2025 Annual Meeting - Washington, DC, USA (October 30 - November 1, 2025)

Join top IP law pros at AIPLA 2025 for learning & networking.

Overview:

The AIPLA 2025 Annual Meeting is a premier event for intellectual property law professionals. It's organized by the American Intellectual Property Law Association and offers a platform for learning and networking. The meeting features general programming and social events from October 30 to November 1, 2025.

Why you should attend:

Attending the AIPLA 2025 Annual Meeting will keep you updated on the latest developments in IP law. You'll have the chance to connect with peers and experts, enhancing your practice's knowledge base. The event's diverse programming is designed to address current trends and challenges in the field, providing valuable insights for your team.

10. Legalweek - New York, NY (March 9-12, 2026)

The ALM Law.Com’s LegalWeek

Overview:
Legalweek is a premier conference for legal professionals, focusing on technology and innovation in the legal industry. It began in the 1980s and has hosted notable speakers like Rob Lowe. The event draws thousands of attendees from around the globe.

Why you should attend:
You’ll engage with cutting-edge legal technologies and industry leaders. The conference offers sessions on AI, cybersecurity, and more, providing valuable insights. Networking with peers and experts will enhance your professional connections. It’s a chance to explore the latest trends shaping the legal sector.

11. Trial Lawyers Summit – Miami Beach, Florida, USA (Jan. 25-28, 2026)

Elevate your trial practice and business acumen at this premier legal event.

  • Dates: January 25–28, 2026
  • Location: Loews Miami Beach Hotel
  • Pricing:
    • NTL Member Attorneys: $1,495
    • Non-Member Attorneys: $1,695
    • Firm Registration: $1,195–$1,595
    • Students & Paralegals: $795–$895​
  • Website: Trial Lawyers Summit
  • Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook​, Instagram

Overview:

The Trial Lawyers Summit is a flagship event hosted by The National Trial Lawyers, drawing over 1,500 civil plaintiff and criminal defense attorneys annually. Celebrating its 15th year, the Summit offers a comprehensive platform for legal professionals to enhance their courtroom skills, business strategies, and professional networks. Attendees can earn over 24 CLE credits, including ethics, through sessions led by 125+ expert speakers

Why You Should Attend:

Attending the Trial Lawyers Summit gives you access to high-level sessions on trial strategy, business growth, and legal innovation tailored for plaintiff attorneys. With speakers ranging from top trial lawyers to marketing and management experts, you’ll gain practical knowledge to elevate both your courtroom skills and your firm’s performance. The event also includes networking receptions, hands-on workshops, and access to exhibitors offering legal services and tech tools—making it a must-attend for anyone serious about succeeding in the legal field.

What's Next?

For more legal insights and resources, subscribe to our newsletter and join a community of innovative legal practitioners shaping the future of law. 

Ben Aston

Ben Aston is an online media entrepreneur and founder of Black & White Zebra, an indie media company on a mission to help people and organizations succeed.

Since 2011, he has been evaluating, reviewing, and helping to recommend software through hundreds of articles across the company's influential digital publications, seeking to make technical workplace topics fun and easier to understand.