What Learning, Certification, and Research Resources Does ILTA Offer?

Updated

ILTA (International Legal Technology Association) provides four main categories of resources for legal technologists: certification and training through ACEDS, on-demand and live learning formats, community and diversity programs, and industry benchmark research such as the annual Technology Survey. These resources are designed for professionals in law firms and corporate/government legal operations who want to build skills, earn credentials, or make data-backed technology decisions. Most resources are tied to ILTA membership or event participation, though some content is publicly accessible.

Certification and Training

ILTA offers ACEDS Certification & Training as a formal credential pathway. ACEDS (Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists) certification is relevant for professionals working in e-discovery, litigation support, and legal data management. The training prepares candidates for certification exams and provides structured coursework in e-discovery principles and practices.

This is the primary formal certification track listed among ILTA's offerings. If your goal is a recognized credential in legal technology or e-discovery, this is the starting point.

Learning Formats

ILTA delivers educational content through several channels, each suited to different schedules and learning preferences:

Format What It Is Best For
ILTA On-Demand Recorded sessions and presentations Self-paced learning on specific topics
ILTA Voices (podcasts) Audio discussions with industry practitioners Commuting or background learning
Content Briefings Curated written updates on legal tech developments Quick updates on trends and news
Discussion Forums Peer-to-peer Q&A and knowledge exchange Problem-solving with input from other professionals
Just-In-Time Programming Timely sessions responding to current industry needs Staying current on emerging issues
Live Events (ILTACON, EVOLVE, Legal Tech On Tour) Conferences and regional events Intensive learning and networking

The mix of on-demand, live, and written formats means you can engage at whatever depth your schedule allows. ILTACON is the flagship annual conference, while EVOLVE and Legal Tech On Tour provide regional or thematic alternatives.

Research and Benchmarking

The ILTA Technology Survey is the association's flagship research product. The 2026 edition reports input from 508 firms representing over 139,000 lawyers and approximately 275,000 total users. This scale makes it one of the more substantive datasets available for benchmarking technology implementations and future plans in legal organizations.

The survey analysis and results are available to members and provide data you can use to:

  • Compare your firm's technology adoption against peer organizations
  • Justify budget requests with industry data
  • Identify trends in legal technology spending and priorities

ILTA also conducts a Belonging + Engagement Survey through its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (DEIC), which gathers feedback on ILTA's own DEI efforts. This is more organizational than industry-facing, but signals the association's research activity beyond technology.

Community and Professional Development Programs

Beyond formal learning, ILTA runs programs that support career growth and peer connection:

  • Communities — topic-based groups where members share expertise
  • myMentor — mentorship matching for professional development
  • Women Who Lead and Women In Security — focused programs for underrepresented groups in legal tech
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives — including the DEIC and related surveys
  • Get Law Firm 101 — orientation content for those new to law firm environments
  • Career Center — job listings and career resources

These programs are volunteer-led and staff-managed, meaning the depth and activity level of each community depends on member participation.

How to Access These Resources

Most ILTA resources require membership or event registration. The site provides a Sign In / Register option, and membership is open to professionals in law firms and corporate/government legal operations as well as business partners and vendors. Some content — such as certain blog posts, press releases, and event information — may be accessible without signing in, but the core learning and research materials are member-gated.

To get started:

  1. Create an account on iltanet.org or sign in if you already have one
  2. Explore the Knowledge HUB for publications, surveys, and on-demand content
  3. Check the Events Calendar for upcoming ILTACON, EVOLVE, or regional events
  4. Join a community relevant to your role or interest area
  5. Access the Technology Survey results if benchmarking is your priority

If you are evaluating whether ILTA membership is worth it for your situation, the strongest case is for professionals who need peer benchmarking data, want structured certification (ACEDS), or benefit from conference-based learning and networking. If you only need occasional articles or podcast episodes, some of that content may be available without full membership — but the research reports and certification training are the resources most clearly tied to membership value.