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Struggling to choose the right legal conference in 2026? 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 2026—the ones that stand out for their content, speakers, networking opportunities, and industry relevance.

Best Continuing Legal Education Conferences: 2026 Shortlist

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

  1. Legalweek - New York, NY (March 9-12, 2026)
  2. ABA Intellectual Property Law Spring Conference - Washington, DC (April 15-16, 2026)
  3. Legal Marketing Association Annual Conference - New Orleans, LA (April 20-22, 2026)
  4. Technology Law Conference - Austin, TX (May 21-22,2026)
  5. MOSOLO Small Firm Conference - Osage Beach, MO (June 11-13, 2026)
  6. AILA Annual Conference - San Diego, CA (June 17-20, 2026)
  7. ClioCon - Boston, MA (October 26–27, 2026)
  8. AIPLA 2026 Annual Meeting - Washington, DC (October 29-31, 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.

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

Legal professionals in the lobby during Legalweek.
The Legalweek Conference

Legalweek is a leading event for legal professionals exploring technology, innovation, and business strategy in the legal field. It provides CLE opportunities across numerous tracks covering legal operations, tech, litigation, and compliance.

The event will feature 400+ speakers and an exhibit hall showcasing cutting‑edge solutions. Attendees range from law firm leaders to in‑house counsel and service providers.

Why attend? The event offers deep dives into practice areas like eDiscovery, automation, and data privacy, paired with networking opportunities in a major metropolitan setting. With access to real‑world case studies, product demos, and expert panels, you’ll leave with actionable takeaways and connections.

The combination of strategic insight and hands‑on learning sets this event apart among continuing legal education conferences.

2. ABA Intellectual Property Law Spring Conference - Washington, DC (April 15-16, 2026)

Attendees of the ABA-IPL Spring Conference 2025
he ABA Intellectual Property Law Spring Conference

The ABA-IPL Spring Conference is a key event for IP professionals, focusing on the latest developments in patent, trademark, and copyright law. Organized by the American Bar Association, it brings together leading experts and practitioners. Notable speakers in the past have included judges and top IP attorneys, making it an unmissable event for those in the field.

Why attend? Join the ABA-IPL Spring Conference to stay at the forefront of intellectual property law. The event offers a mix of in-depth workshops, expert panels, and networking sessions. It's designed for legal professionals who want to deepen their understanding of IP issues and connect with industry leaders. The conference's focus on practical application and current trends makes it a standout for anyone in the IP sector.

3. Legal Marketing Association Annual Conference - New Orleans, LA (April 20-22, 2026)

Speaker presenting at the LMA annual conference 2025
The Legal Marketing Association Annual Conference 2025

LMA annual conference is a key event for legal marketing professionals, focusing on strategies and innovations in the industry. It has been a cornerstone for marketing experts in law firms since its inception. The conference features renowned speakers and provides insights into effective marketing practices.

Why attend? Attending the LMA26 gives you the chance to learn from top marketing professionals in the legal field. It offers a variety of sessions on digital marketing, client development, and branding.

This conference is perfect for those looking to enhance their marketing strategies and network with industry peers. The focus on practical skills and emerging trends makes it a must-attend for legal marketers.

4. Technology Law Conference - Austin, TX (May 21-22,2026)

The Technology Law Conference website page screenshot
The 2026 Technology Law Conference

The Technology Law Conference is a leading event for professionals in technology and licensing law. It brings together experts in data privacy, security, and emerging technologies, with access to on-demand CLE for continued learning. The conference is designed for in-house counsel and tech practitioners seeking to stay up to date on industry trends.

Why attend? At this Texas conference, you'll engage with top legal minds and explore cutting-edge issues in tech law. The event features panels and workshops on topics like open source and data protection. It's a great opportunity to network and gain insights into the latest legal challenges in technology.

5. MOSOLO Small Firm Conference - Osage Beach, MO (June 11-13, 2026)

Web page of the MO Solo & Small Firm Conference 2026
The Missouri Solo & Small Firm Conference 2026

The MOSOLO Small Firm Conference targets lawyers in solo and small‑firm practices seeking to address management, growth, and legal‑practice innovation. It offers CLE credits and features recognised keynote speakers on practice‑enhancement strategies.

The event regularly brings artificial intelligence, finance, marketing, and ethics topics into the agenda. It’s structured to help lawyers build networks and sharpen business‑practice skills alongside their legal work.

Why attend? This event provides a format designed for practical skill-building, enabling your team to focus on both law-practice and business-development insights in one place. Sessions span essential topics like firm management, client service, tech tools, and marketing tailored for smaller firms. You’ll also have time for informal peer discussions in a relaxed venue that encourages cross‑firm connections.

6. AILA Annual Conference - San Diego, CA (June 17-20, 2026)

Law professionals at the AILA Annual Conference 2025
The 2025 AILA Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado

The AILA Annual Conference is the foremost event for immigration law professionals, providing comprehensive updates and training. It draws attorneys, paralegals, law school students, and top immigration law experts and policymakers, making it an essential event for the community.

"I was impressed with the CLE offered... and I was happy to see that it did not disappoint when I arrived."

-  Laura Báes Torres, Immigration Lawyer

Why attend? Attend the AILA Annual Conference to stay informed on the latest in immigration law and policy. The conference offers a rich array of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. It's tailored for legal professionals seeking to enhance their practice and understanding of immigration issues. Expect engaging discussions and valuable insights from industry leaders.

7. ClioCon - Boston, MA (October 26–27, 2026)

Jack Newton, founder of Clio, as the opening keynote of the ClioCon 2025
2025 ClionCon

ClioCon is a leading conference for legal professionals focused on legal technology and practice management. It has become a hub of innovation in the legal industry. Notable past speakers include legal tech pioneers and industry leaders like Esther Perel and Mel Robbins, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Why attend? You should attend ClioCon to explore the latest in legal tech and practice management. The conference features hands-on workshops, expert panels, and networking events tailored to legal professionals. It's perfect for those looking to improve their practice with innovative tools and strategies. Join to connect with like-minded professionals and gain actionable insights.

8. AIPLA 2026 Annual Meeting - Washington, DC (October 29-31, 2026)

Panelists of the AIPLA 2025 Annual Meeting
The AIPLA 2025 Annual Meeting

The AIPLA 2026 Annual Meeting is a key event for IP law professionals, offering in-depth sessions on patents, trademarks, and copyrights. It features influential figures from the IP field, making it an essential gathering for those looking to stay updated on industry trends.

Why attend? Join the AIPLA 2026 to connect with leading IP professionals and gain insights into the latest legal developments. The event features a mix of educational sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. It's designed for those eager to enhance their understanding of IP law and build valuable connections in the industry.

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