How Emerging Technology is Shaping Commercial Law: Shareholder Jamie Hart Reports from the 2025 CLLA East Region Conference

Shareholder Jamie Hart recently attended the Commercial Law League of America’s (CLLA) Eastern Regional Meeting in New York City, a fitting backdrop for a conference centered on emerging technology in commercial recovery and its interaction with the legal process.

Jamie breaks down his top lessons learned!

The event offered attendees a deep dive into the ways technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is reshaping the practice of commercial law. Presentations explored how AI can streamline legal workflows, improve efficiency, and support recovery efforts, while also highlighting the operational and ethical considerations that accompany its adoption.

The conference also covered key legislative developments affecting commercial creditors. Notably, state legislatures are increasingly experimenting with laws and regulations that apply FDCPA-style protections—traditionally reserved for consumer debts—to commercial debts. These developments signal a shifting regulatory landscape where small businesses may find themselves subject to consumer-centric rules, a trend that law firms and recovery agencies must carefully navigate.

Other sessions focused on the operational challenges presented by economic inflation, the impact on commercial agencies and law firms, and the growing role of electronic communication in legal practices. While these tools provide efficiency, speakers emphasized the need for careful management to avoid pitfalls. Also of note was the insightful discussions on bankruptcy issues affecting commercial creditors, including Sub-Chapter V cases, with perspectives from Hon. Judge Lisa G. Beckerman of the Southern District of New York and Hon. Judge Elizabeth S. Stong of the Eastern District of New York.

For me, the main takeaway from the conference was the accelerating intersection of technology and commercial law. AI is no longer a theoretical concept; it is now an integral part of everyday practice. Firms and practitioners who fail to embrace these innovations—or who do so only tentatively—risk falling behind. At the same time, discussions highlighted the careful balance required between adoption, client comfort, and compliance, underscoring that technology’s potential comes with important considerations for ethics and regulation.

As commercial law continues to evolve, conferences like the CLLA Eastern Regional Meeting provide invaluable insights, equipping attorneys like me with the knowledge to stay ahead in a rapidly changing legal landscape while ensuring clients receive effective and compliant representation.

If you have any questions about this event or want to learn more about Weltman’s commercial collections solutions, please connect with Jamie at any time.

This blog is not a solicitation for business, and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship or be legally binding in any way.