EL DORADO HILLS, California. Cris Alarcon, (October 29, 2023) – For nearly two decades, the world of legal technology had a reigning luminary, and her name was Monica Bay. Her influence and prominence were so profound that, upon her retirement in 2015 after a remarkable 17-year tenure as the editor of Law Technology News, Thomson Reuters paid tribute by emblazoning her name and image above the iconic Times Square. As a dear friend, trusted mentor, and inspirational role model to many in the legal tech sphere, Monica Bay stood alone.
Monica’s journey into the realm of journalism began as a rock-and-roll reviewer, a path that would eventually lead her to law school. After a brief stint practicing law, she joined ALM (American Lawyer Media), where she would leave an indelible mark over three decades.
Her tenure at ALM commenced as a senior editor at The Recorder, ALM’s San Francisco newspaper. This role also saw her involved with Counsel Connect, a precursor to Law.com. In 1998, a pivotal year for her career, she relocated to New York and assumed the position of editor at Law Technology News, a prominent legal technology magazine that has since transitioned into the digital realm as Legaltech News.
Beyond her editorial work, Monica hosted an annual bloggers’ breakfast at the Legal Tech conference in New York, a tradition that evolved into a must-attend event. This gathering was not only for bloggers but also drew legal tech executives, public relations professionals, and marketing experts seeking insights from her wealth of knowledge. Additionally, she organized an annual party at a charming Irish bar close to the Hilton, an event that was legendary and unmissable for those in the legal tech community.
Monica’s move to New York also introduced her to a new passion: the New York Yankees. Her fervor for the baseball team became unmistakable and even began to inform her work at LTN. As she once expressed in an LTN column, the world of baseball, with its intricacies, strategies, and statistics, held valuable lessons for the legal tech industry.
Monica Bay’s legacy extends far beyond her editorship at Law Technology News. She was a pioneer, a connector, and an inspiration for those who ventured into the burgeoning field of legal technology. Her impact, as seen in her well-attended events, memorable parties, and insightful writing, will forever be etched in the annals of legal tech history. Monica Bay, the unrivaled monarch of legal tech, left an indomitable mark on the industry and the hearts of those she touched.
