Walk Before You Run: Why Technical Competence Must Precede AI Literacy

December 4, 2025 | 11:30 AM EST

About this Webinar

Hosted by: ACEDS

The ABA added a duty of technology competence over a decade ago, yet many lawyers still struggle with core skills in discovery platforms, data security, and collaboration tools. As firms rush to integrate AI into their practices, skipping this foundation introduces serious risks, from ethical violations to client dissatisfaction. This session, hosted with members of the ACEDS Code & Counsel Working Group, examines why technical competence is the prerequisite to AI literacy. Panelists will share research, case studies, and actionable steps for building a defensible pathway toward responsible AI adoption.

Presenters

Maribel Rivera

VP Strategy and Client Engagement, ACEDS

Maribel Rivera serves as Vice President of Strategy & Client Engagement at Association of Certified e‑Discovery Specialists (ACEDS), where she oversees membership growth, local chapter development, event strategy and strategic partnerships. With a background in brand-building, audience engagement and strategic communications, she brings creative problem-solving and operational fluency to the e-discovery community. Her work in creating inclusive, forward-looking professional networks was recognized with the Catalyst for Change Award by Women in eDiscovery in 2025.

Angela T. O’Neal

Director of Nextra Solutions, Maynard Nexsen

Angela T. O’Neal is Director of Nextra Solutions (a division of Maynard Nexsen) where she leads electronic-discovery and information-management services for law-firm and corporate clients. Leveraging her legal background as a civil litigator and investigator (including with the NCAA), Angela designs defensible workflows spanning collection, processing, review and production of ESI. She has also been recognized as a 2023 “Women of Influence” by the Columbia Business Report for her leadership in legal operations.

Fiona Campbell

Legal Director - Head of Electronic Disclosure, FieldFisher

Fiona Campbell is Legal Director & Head of Electronic Disclosure at Fieldfisher, where she is widely recognised as a leading authority on the intersection of legal technology, AI and complex disclosure obligations under UK and international law. With her dual-qualified background and a strong track record in eDisclosure best practice, she contributes to the board of the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) and the Law Society’s AI Task Force, and most recently received the AI Visionary Award for her contributions to responsible AI deployment in legal workflows.

Ashley Picker Dubin

Counsel, Day Pitney LLP

Ashley Picker Dubin is a nationally recognized authority in eDiscovery and information governance, known for her innovative application of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to complex data challenges. She counsels global organizations, financial institutions, and Fortune 500 companies on defensible, technology-driven discovery strategies and data management frameworks that align with evolving regulatory and litigation demands. With extensive experience leading cross-border discovery and investigations spanning the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia, Ashley brings a rare blend of technical fluency and strategic insight to her work. She regularly collaborates with in-house legal teams, technology departments, and regulators to design efficient workflows and negotiate discovery protocols that withstand judicial and agency scrutiny. An active thought leader in the rapidly evolving intersection of AI and the law, Ashley directs Day Pitney’s use of artificial intelligence in discovery and advises on the implications of emerging technologies.

Jennifer Williams

Sr. Director - eDiscovery, Litigation Support, Vinson & Elkins LLP

Jennifer Williams (Senior Director of Innovation, Knowledge and eDiscovery) leads strategic initiatives at the intersection of law and technology. She oversees all aspects of litigation support and eDiscovery at V&E, ensuring efficient, defensible processes for complex matters. Her recently expanded role includes driving innovation and knowledge management, with responsibility for the Research & Knowledge Services department. Jennifer partners closely with legal teams and clients to deliver education and consultation on eDiscovery, information governance, and data privacy. A Certified E-Discovery Specialist (ACEDS) since 2015, she serves on the Central Texas ACEDS Board and was appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to the Judicial Committee on Information Technology in 2023. She also contributes to V&E’s Generative AI Project Team, shaping the firm’s approach to emerging technologies. Jennifer frequently speaks and writes on legal technology, focusing on how technology can enhance efficiency and effectiveness for legal teams. Her expertise spans the full lifecycle of eDiscovery and the evolving role of AI in legal practice.

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Webinar: Walk Before You Run: Why Technical Competence Must Precede AI Literacy by Exterro