I Don’t Need That… Or Do I?

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Includes a Live Web Event on 06/03/2026 at 2:00 PM (CDT)

Explore the hidden risks and operational pitfalls that arise when law firms delay technology updates. This ALA webinar dispels common misconceptions around “non-essential” upgrades and demonstrates how aging systems quietly increase security exposure, reduce productivity, and hinder AI and cloud readiness. Attendees will learn how to identify overlooked modernization opportunities and implement practical improvements that drive measurable impact.

Learning Objectives:

Identify common misconceptions that stall necessary technology upgrades in law firms

Recognize operational and security risks introduced by aging systems
Understand modernization strategies using Microsoft 365, cloud services and managed solutions
Evaluate ROI and cost benefit models to strengthen leadership approval
Communicate modernization needs effectively to attorneys and executive stakeholders

This webinar is $50 for ALA members and $125 for non-members. Current CLMs can use the code 26CLM for a $5 discount.

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Charles Ottenweller

Chief Information Officer and management consultant

Kraft Kennedy

Charles Ottenweller is a legal-tech industry leader with more than 20 years of experience as a Chief Information Officer and management consultant, including 25 years with Kraft Kennedy advising law firms on information technology planning. He specializes in simplifying complex technology decisions by linking recommendations to each firm’s strategy, practices, concerns, and culture, and tailoring guidance to the organization’s current stage of evolution.

Charles has led and advised on firmwide initiatives spanning IT strategy and governance, service delivery models, security and risk, infrastructure modernization, and emerging technologies including AI. He is currently engaged in a multi-year assignment as Interim CIO of Cole Schotz, a leading 200-attorney ALAS member firm.

Known for his practical, plain-language approach and broad industry perspective on AI, evolving security requirements, and the future direction of IT in the legal sector, Charles has extensive speaking and professional engagement experience with ILTA, ALA, DRI, and other industry organizations. In his free time, he enjoys bicycling and traveling with his family.

Chris Owens

Chief Technology Officer

Kraft Kennedy

Chris Owens is the Chief Technology Officer for Kraft & Kennedy, Inc. Based in Houston, TX, Chris has over 20 years of consulting and technology management experience designing technical systems and leading initiatives for Am Law 100 firms in areas including desktop design and management, cloud adoption, data center transformation, disaster recovery and business continuity planning and implementation, email messaging design and migration, document management system deployment and hybrid\thin-client architecture.

As former the Practice Group Leader of the Enterprise Client Systems Practice, Chris led a team of consultants to offer desktop deployment strategies, virtual desktop infrastructure design, application virtualization scenarios, and remote access planning. In addition, Chris continues to lead discussions at numerous industry events and has presented at several ILTACON conferences, on topics ranging from data center consolidation and server virtualization to virtual desktop infrastructure and application virtualization.

Before joining Kraft Kennedy, Chris worked on Compaq Computer Corporation’s Network Technology Development Team. Chris is a graduate of the University of Texas and holds several vendor certifications, including Microsoft, Citrix CCA and NetScaler, VMware VCP, iManage CSA, and Open Text CHP.

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