The Level Legal Guide to Legalweek 2024

Welcome to the Big Apple!

The first thing you need to know from The Level Legal Guide to Legalweek is that locals never call it “the Big Apple.” It’s almost always “the city.” Everything vaguely north of the Bronx is “upstate.” New Jersey is “Jersey.” Long Island is “Longisland.” And Connecticut is … “Connecticut.”

This Guide aims to show you the more human side to Legalweek 2024. The information comes from locals, like the New York Hilton Midtown concierge, plus Legalweek veterans. Delight in different ways to experience the conference. Make the most of New York City’s incredible food scene. Give yourself some time away from the Legalweek itself.

Level Legal believes in “Making Legal Human.” This philosophy is at the core of our eDiscovery, managed review, forensics, and consulting services – as well as our approach to this Guide. For us, Legalweek is all about making new and fostering existing connections. Putting faces to names. Exploring the city like a local and experiencing something new, whether this is your first or twenty-first visit.

1) Convenience of Omni Pay

Almost every subway station now supports Omni Pay, allowing you to tap in with your credit card or iPhone. If you have Apple Pay, it’s even more seamless. This modern payment system eliminates the need for buying specific subway tickets, making your transit smooth and hassle-free.

2) Utilize Google Maps

Google Maps is an invaluable tool for navigating the subway system. It provides detailed instructions on which train to take and where to go, making it reasonably intuitive to plan trips to various parts of the city, from the lower financial district to the upper east side. You can also use the MTA website to plan trips and check for delays. (It’s New York City, so you never know what might happen!)

3) Beyond Midtown

While staying in Midtown is convenient, don’t hesitate to explore beyond. The subway system offers easy access to must-see locations throughout New York that you might otherwise miss. For instance, you can find out firsthand why many locals consider Brooklyn to be the hub of cool.

Psst… Looking for the Level Legal Yeti?

3) Claim Your Exclusive Gift

For your efforts, you’ll be rewarded with a coveted Level Legal Yeti. It’s our way of appreciating your attention to detail and for being an engaged part of our community.

This offer is our little secret, reserved for those who have thoroughly explored our Guide. So, come find us, share the code, and enjoy your exclusive Level Legal Yeti!

Legalweek Unlocked: Five Insider Tips

2) Navigate Like a Pro

Make sure to check your coat and heavy items for easier movement. Consider staying outside the Hilton for better air quality and to avoid the common “Legalweek cold.” Wear comfortable shoes and carve out time to check out the vendor booths in the exhibit hall.

5) Escape to Quiet Hideaways

Find your go-to quiet spots, like the food court near 52nd Street and 6th Avenue, early on. The concierge floor at the Hilton is another more controlled spot where you can duck off for that unplanned meeting.

For those interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of New York state wines, we have curated a selection that showcases the unique characteristics of the Empire State:

“Legal Tech”: A Legalweek Drinking Game

As a nod to Legalweek’s former name, “Legal Tech,” we thought this could be a fun and light-hearted drinking game for all those who imbibe. Just like a well-crafted argument, this game is simple, engaging, and slightly intoxicating.

The Rules: Whenever someone says “Legal Tech,” it’s time for a little sip of your drink. Whether it’s during a panel discussion, a casual conversation, or a keynote speech, keep your ears open for the phrase. The game is simple:

After-Hours Mention Challenge

If “Legal Tech” was mentioned during any presentation or panel throughout the day, make a note and compare with colleagues during the evening’s social events. Whoever counted the most “Legal Tech” mentions takes a sip of his drink.

Networking Nip

If you hear “Legal Tech” during a networking event or casual chat, take two sips. It’s like a legal precedent, but for your taste buds.

Pun-ishment for the Brave

If “Legal Tech” is part of a joke or a pun, finish your drink! Think of it as the closing argument of your beverage.

Remember, this game is all in the spirit of camaraderie and conviviality, much like a congenial court recess. Drink responsibly, know your limits. Cheers to “Legal Tech” and the evolution of this fantastic event!

Well Read: The Legalweek Book Club

Each of these book recommendations offers a unique perspective on New York, its people, and its culture, making them perfect reads for those attending Legalweek and looking to immerse themselves in the spirit of the city. Buy them at McNally Jackson Books at 1 Rockefeller Plaza – a nine minute walk from Legalweek.

The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster

A modern classic, this series of three detective stories set in New York City blends the traditional with the experimental, offering a unique and thought-provoking take on identity, space, and solitude in the urban landscape.

Time Bound: Excursions for Every Schedule

When you need a break from Legalweek, or if you have some time around the conference to spare, here are some of our top tips of things to do around the city – from 15 minutes to one day.

Fifteen Minutes

• Quick Art Fix at MoMA Design Store: If you have a short break, visit the MoMA Design Store. Just a stone’s throw from the NY Hilton Midtown, it’s perfect for those who appreciate modern art and design. Open daily, it’s an ideal spot to find unique souvenirs and experience a slice of the New York City art scene.

Thirty Minutes

• Stroll in Central Park: Take a rejuvenating constitutional in Central Park. The southern entrance is a short walk from the Hilton, offering a quick and easy urban retreat. Plus, it ties perfectly with our “Fit & Focused” fitness recommendations.

Two Hours

• Explore Neue Galerie: Dedicated to early twentieth-century German and Austrian art and located on the Museum Mile, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in cultural and artistic history.
• Visit Eataly NYC Flatiron: Less than 15 minute cab ride from the Hilton will transport you into an Italian marketplace. Between the fantastic restaurants, cooking demonstrations, and beguiling produce, 120 minutes will disappear in a blink.

Three Hours

• Visit the Morgan Library and Museum: A must-visit. This historic library and art museum, housed in a stunning 19th-century building, offers a peaceful and intellectually stimulating break from the conference.

One Day

• Discover the High Line and Chelsea Market: The High Line offers a unique perspective of the city from an elevated park – formerly the West Side Elevated Line – while Chelsea Market is a foodie’s paradise with diverse culinary offerings. Both outings and their surroundings provide a full day of exploration and enjoyment.
• Make a day trip to The Cloisters Museum: Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of The Cloisters Museum. Situated in a park near the northern tip of Manhattan, this branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art offers a peaceful retreat amidst medieval European art and architecture. Wander through its enchanting gardens and explore the extensive collection of tapestries, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts. Don’t miss the unicorn!

New York City Beats: The Legalweek Guide for Audiophiles

Whether you’re reviewing documents or looking to unwind after a busy day, we’ve got the perfect soundtrack for your NYC adventure.

“Theme from New York, New York”

by Frank Sinatra

“Hip Hop: The New York Sound” on Spotify

Dive into the vibrant world of New York hip hop with a playlist that showcases the city’s influential role in shaping this global music phenomenon.

“New York Times’ The Daily”

Stay informed with The Daily, a podcast from the New York Times that provides deep dives into the biggest news stories, many centered on New York City.

Podcast website

Be Interesting: The Legalweek Cheat Sheet for Cocktail Party Small Talk

Prefer your itinerary to be guided by facts, not hearsay? Here are a few lesser-known fun facts to drop into conversational lulls:

Architectural Marvels in Law

The Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse in Foley Square isn’t just a legal landmark. It was designed by Cass Gilbert, the same architect behind the U.S. Supreme Court building.

Celebrity Haven at the Hilton

Since its opening in 1963, the New York Hilton Midtown has been a piece of history. For starters, John Lennon and Yoko Ono lived there in the ’70s.

A Toast to Legal History

This historic venue served as a meeting place for the George Washington and the Sons of Liberty, a group instrumental to America’s founding legal principles.

The Birthplace of the Teddy Bear

In 1902, Morris Michtom, a Brooklyn shopkeeper, was inspired by a cartoon of President Theodore Roosevelt refusing to shoot a bear cub and created the first “Teddy’s Bear.”

A City of Many Firsts

New York City is home to America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s, opened in 1905. It’s also where the first United States chess tournament was held in 1843, at the New York Chess Club.

Acknowledgements

We would like think thank our incredible partners for sharing their time, Legalweek experience and favorite New York spots:

Mary Mack, CEO at EDRM

Kaylee Walstad, Chief Strategy Officer at EDRM

Doug Austin, Editor at eDiscovery Today

Ari Kaplan, Principal at Ari Kaplan Advisors

Aaron Bath, National Director of Litigation Management at Balfour Beatty

Valerie Chan, Founder & Principal at Plat4orm PR

Leigh Vickery

David Greetham, PC Forensics Founder and Expert (now part of Level Legal)