In the buzzing world of legal tech conferences, where the air is typically thick with the latest jargon, this year’s ClioCon made a silent statement that spoke volumes. The word "agentic," a term that has pervaded nearly every tech vendor’s presentation in 2025, was conspicuously absent from the main discourse at the conference. This omission was not an oversight but a deliberate move by Clio, signaling a deeper understanding of its audience and a clearer vision for its future.

At a time when the term "agentic AI" is bandied about with much enthusiasm—describing either an autonomous system that dangerously skirts the boundaries of malpractice or a glorified automation tool—Clio chose to distance itself from the hype. Instead of embracing the term, Clio’s CEO, Jack Newton, focused on more grounded and tangible concepts like "automation" and "teammates" during his keynote. This choice of words may seem minor, but it represents a significant pivot in how technology should integrate with the legal profession.

By avoiding the term "agentic," Clio underlined its commitment to practical, useful tech integration rather than chasing after the allure of potentially misleading and overhyped AI capabilities. John Foreman, Clio’s Chief Product Officer, emphasized that their product messaging is keenly aimed at the everyday lawyer who needs reliable tools, not just impressive-sounding tech.

The differentiation between an "agent" and a "teammate" was another highlight of the conference discussions. While an agent works independently, often obscuring the process, a teammate collaborates, enhancing the lawyer’s work through visible and continuous support. This distinction is crucial in a field where the precision and quality of work cannot be compromised for the sake of automation.

Clio’s approach this year also challenges the current trend where companies push for more AI-driven independence, potentially marginalizing the lawyer’s role in their own work. Instead, Clio advocates for a model where AI serves as a supportive teammate, not a replacement. This philosophy was further echoed in their focus on maintaining "human in the loop" as a core part of their workflow integration, ensuring that lawyers remain central to all operations.

The conference left an impression that while technological advancements are vital, they must not outpace the practical and ethical needs of the professionals they aim to assist. Clio’s decision to step back from agentic rhetoric and focus on substantive, collaborative technology offers a refreshing perspective in the legal tech landscape.

As legal professionals navigate the complexities of their practice, the tools they choose should enhance, not complicate, their work. Clio’s presentation at ClioCon 2025 may not have had the flash of "agentic" promises, but it offered something far more valuable: a promise of partnership and reliability in the ever-evolving intersection of law and technology.