The AI Advantage: Practical Tools for Modern Family Lawyers

Kristal Thomson practices family law at the firm of Langley & Banack, Inc. She is board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (2009), and her practice focuses on divorces with high net-worth estates and complicated custody matters. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her juris doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Ms. Thomson is listed as a “Super Lawyer" (Thomson Reuters) and Best Lawyers in America, Family Law – including “Lawyer of the Year" (Family Law, San Antonio) listings in 2021 and 2023 (Woodward White). She is one of only nine lawyers in San Antonio elected as a fellow to the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Ms. Thomson has received many professional awards, including “40 Under 40" (published by the San Antonio Business Journal), the 2018 Standing Ovation Award (presented by TexasBarCLE staff), and the 2006 San Antonio “Outstanding Young Lawyer" (awarded by the San Antonio Young Lawyers Association). She is a Past Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (2020-2021) and remains active with the Family Law Section. She also serves as the Legislative Committee Co-Chair for the Texas Family Law Foundation. Ms. Thomson's favorite job is as a frequent alternative dispute resolution specialist to her three children.

Lawrence Datz is one of only 13 attorneys in Jacksonville who are Board Certified in Marital and Family Law. He is one of just six area attorneys who are Fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and he is listed among The Best Lawyers in America and in Super Lawyers. A former chair of the Florida Bar’s Marital and Family Law Board Certification Committee and past president of the Florida Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts, Datz is widely recognized as one of the state’s leaders in family law, high-asset divorces, high-conflict parenting disputes, division of business interests and other complex issues. 

Rob is a partner at Verner Brumley Mueller Parker, P.C. He is board-certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and International Academy of Family Lawyers. Rob’s practice is devoted primarily to complex and high-conflict divorce matters, high-asset property division, custody cases, and marital property agreements. He is also court appointed as an amicus attorney. Rob also works in the area of special education law. Rob serves on the Advisory Board for the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, the Texas Family Law Foundation Board, and the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists. Rob is the chair of the Texas Family Law Foundation Legislative Committee and works on ensuring that every bill related to family law filed with the Texas legislature is reviewed from a family law perspective. Rob regularly speaks to family law attorneys around the state and the country. Rob hopes to help and improve the lives of those in need during such a difficult time. As both an adopted child and a member of a blended family, Rob can provide a unique perspective on the practice of family law. Rob received his bachelor’s degree cum laude and master’s degree cum laude from Baylor University and graduated cum laude from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University.

Kevin Rubin graduated from Emory University School of Law in 2008 and is licensed to practice law in Georgia. He holds a Master of Science in Information Systems Technology (MSIST) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from George Washington University. Kevin is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL). Kevin also serves on the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Georgia’s Family Law Section and the Board of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Family Law Section.  Originally from Philadelphia, Kevin now resides in suburban Atlanta with his wife and three children. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves and his hometown Philadelphia Eagles. 

Patrick A. Wright is the managing partner of the North Texas–based firm, The Wright Firm, LLP. He is Board Certified in Family Law and Child Welfare by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Patrick serves on the Family Law Council of the State Bar of Texas and is one of the Editors of the Texas Family Law Section Report. He also serves on the Future Trends in Family Law Committee and the Texas Family Law Code Book Committee for the Section.  He is a member of the Texas Law Practice Management Committee of the State Bar of Texas and is Co-Chair of the Emerging Trends Committee. In August 2025, Patrick served as one of the Co-Chairs of the Texas Advanced Family Law Conference, the largest family law CLE conference in the world.  He is also a Co-Chair of the 2026 ABA TECHSHOW, served on the 2025 ABA TECHSHOW Board, and was formerly a member of the Law Practice Magazine Editorial Board. Patrick is currently a member of the American Bar Association Law Practice Division Council.  A frequent speaker and writer on technology, artificial intelligence, and family law practice, Patrick presents both in Texas and across the United States.