My journey also included a pivotal role as the Chief Information Officer for HolmstromKennedy PC, a century-old firm in Rockford, Illinois. At HolmstromKennedy, I was responsible for all in-house technology and training, from selecting and deploying new tools to providing direct support at the office and in court. This 18-attorney firm handled everything from immigration law to business transactions and civil litigation. I ensured that the team had the technology they needed to deliver innovative solutions across Northern Illinois.
In my previous role as the first Practice Management Advisor for the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Practice411™ Law Office Management Assistance Program, I assisted over 24,000 lawyers in managing their practices more effectively and efficiently. Whether it was streamlining workflow, choosing the best document management system, or integrating time-billing software, I made it my mission to help attorneys embrace technology. My company, CenCom Legal Technologies, which I founded in 1994, allowed me to continue helping firms across the country address their tech and practice management needs, and I am still operating CenCom today, though in a more limited fashion.
My experience spans across a variety of platforms—both literally and figuratively. I was the ABA LPM Magazine Product Watch columnist until 2012, regularly contributing to publications like the Illinois Bar Journal, Wisconsin Lawyer, and ABA GP|Solo Magazine,. I’ve presented at some of the top legal technology conferences across the U.S. and abroad, including the ABA TECHSHOW, Pacific Legal Technology Conference, and various state solo and small firm conferences. Fun fact: I’ve even presented to the US Virgin Islands Bar Association—proving that technology follows lawyers, even to paradise!
In addition to my extensive writing and speaking engagements, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the ABA TECHSHOW Planning Board multiple times, most recently from 2017-2019. I continue to serve on the Illinois State Bar Association’s Committee on Legal Technology (CoLT), where I share tips and tricks with fellow attorneys looking to level up their tech game. Oh, and in 2011, I was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50 list of the top legal techies—so if you’re wondering if I’m passionate about this stuff, the answer is a resounding yes!
But let’s not make this all about me. I’m here to help you—whether you’re a seasoned attorney or the tech guru for your firm—navigate the constantly evolving world of legal tech. I’ll keep things practical, relatable, and if I’m lucky, a little bit funny (because tech can be stressful enough without taking it too seriously, right?).
So, follow along, dive into the blog, and get ready to take your practice to the next level. Don’t just survive legal technology—dominate it!
Why Follow?
– Years of no-nonsense advice (with a side of humor).
– Proven tips on how to manage your practice more efficiently.
– Stay up to date on the latest in legal tech without the fluff.
P.S. If you’re here because you think technology is the enemy, don’t worry. It just needs the right lawyer to tame it. Let’s make that lawyer you!
Stay tuned and stay techy.
Nerino J. Petro Jr.
Your friendly neighborhood legal tech expert.
