The Future of Law: How Technology Is Changing the Legal Profession
As technology evolves and improves, industries must also be prepared to adapt in order to stay competitive. The legal field is no exception. Over the past several years in particular, numerous technological advancements have transformed the field of law and legal landscape as we know it.
Read on to gain a better understanding of how technology is transforming law and what this means for professionals in law-adjacent fields.
Introduction to the Legal Tech Revolution
Over the past several years, the legal field has experienced significant changes — namely as they relate to the adaptation of new technology to change the way legal services are carried out and delivered.
Why Lawyers Can’t Ignore Digital Transformation
Lawyers and even professionals in law-adjacent fields shouldn't ignore the effects of the tech revolution. In the competitive legal industry, clients are looking for legal professionals they can trust to integrate the latest technologies to improve their experience and outcomes. Professionals who fail to keep up with the latest innovations and technologies could lose clients or struggle to compete for roles in the field.
From Tradition to Innovation: A Changing Legal Landscape
Traditionally, the field of law has been associated with a great deal of manual work. From painstakingly reviewing documents to conducting extensive research, many lawyers and other law-adjacent professionals have grown accustomed to doing things this way.
Thanks to recent advancements and innovations, however, it has become possible to automate and streamline many tasks previously performed by hand. The result? Lawyers and other legal professionals can free up more of their valuable time to focus on other important areas of their work.
Key Technologies Disrupting the Legal Field
So, what are some of the most notable technologies being leveraged in the legal field? From artificial intelligence (AI) to blockchain and cloud-based systems, much has changed in recent years.
Artificial Intelligence in Legal Research and Document Review
Artificial intelligence can now help execute extensive legal research that was formerly done manually. Likewise, AI is able to automate document review and data analysis, sifting through vast amounts of data and legalese to extract valuable insights.
Blockchain and Smart Contracts in Transactional Law
Additionally, blockchain technology is being applied in transactional law to generate smart contracts and other legal agreements. This remarkable technology is transforming the way legal agreements are executed while eliminating unnecessary third parties and streamlining processes.
Cloud-Based Case Management Systems
Today, legal professionals also have access to innovative cloud-based case management systems, which allow them to access all the pertinent documents and information needed to work a particular case from anywhere with internet access. From document management and billing/invoicing to time and expense tracking, these platforms can do it all from the convenience of the cloud.
Legal Chatbots and Client Communication Tools
Legal clients now have access to chatbots and other intuitive communication tools that make it possible to get instant answers to questions and even legal advice around the clock. Meanwhile, these platforms save lawyers and their teams valuable time while maintaining reliable communication with their clients and potential clients.
How Technology Is Transforming Legal Roles and Workflows
In addition to changing the legal landscape as we know it, new technologies are reshaping legal roles and the responsibilities associated with them.
Automation of Repetitive Tasks and Increased Efficiency
As innovations like AI, machine learning and predictive analytics enter the game, lawyers can free up more of their time by automating monotonous and time-consuming tasks for improved efficiency and productivity.
Data Analytics for Case Prediction and Strategy
Likewise, data analytics tools are enabling legal professionals to forecast the potential outcomes of litigation and other cases. This, in turn, can help lawyers and their clients strategize to achieve the best possible outcome.
The Shift from Billable Hours to Value-Based Models
As technology makes it possible for lawyers to spend less time on manual tasks, the profession is also beginning to see a shift from traditional "billable hours" models to value-based models that are more indicative of the value of the finished product delivered.
Virtual Law Firms and Remote Legal Services
Lastly, the technological revolution in law is making legal services more accessible and even affordable for clients across the globe. With greater availability of virtual law firms and remote legal services, it is now easier (and, in many cases, more cost-effective) to get legal help without the need to meet a lawyer in person.
Legal Ethics and Challenges in the Age of Technology
Despite the numerous benefits new legal tech trends can bring to the table, there remain certain obstacles that lawyers and other law-adjacent professionals need to overcome.
Data Security, Client Confidentiality and Cyber Law
As more data is collected for analysis, the need for strict cybersecurity measures also rises. Those in the legal profession are bound by strict data privacy and client confidentiality regulations — so lawyers will need to be prepared to improve their own cybersecurity practices to avoid compliance issues.
Algorithmic Bias and the Risks of AI in Law
Another issue that has repeatedly arisen with increased reliance on AI is the risk of algorithmic bias, which can present in the form of systematic errors in AI/machine learning algorithms. Unfortunately, these biases (even if accidental) can have devastating and discriminatory effects, which is why legal professionals must exercise special caution in their use of AI and algorithms.
Maintaining Professional Responsibility in a Tech-Driven World
As more tasks and responsibilities can be delegated to tech tools, it may be easy for lawyers and other law-adjacent professionals to lose sight of their own professional responsibilities. At the end of the day, lawyers must be prepared to take ownership for every service they provide — which includes any glitches or errors that may occur from a tech standpoint.
Regulation of Emerging Technologies in Legal Practice
Lawyers must also stay on top of updates when it comes to the regulation of legal technologies. In addition to changes in data privacy law, it is likely that new legal and regulatory frameworks will need to be developed as a response to legal tech trends and innovations.
New Opportunities for Legal Professionals
With so much new technology in place, what does the future of the legal profession look like? The good news is that AI and other tech aren't poised to put lawyers out of business anytime soon. In fact, these innovations have presented some unique opportunities for legal professionals looking to advance in their careers.
Legal Tech Startups and Entrepreneurial Careers
Now that the demand for legal tech is clear, there exist some compelling opportunities for legal professionals to join legal tech startups and other entrepreneurial endeavors. If you consider yourself tech- and legal-savvy, this type of career could be right up your alley.
Hybrid Roles: Legal Engineer, Legal Operations and Tech Counsel
Likewise, many law firms are now seeking professionals to fill hybrid roles that blend the responsibilities of a "traditional" lawyer with the capabilities of new technology. Specifically, legal engineering, legal operations and tech counsel positions may be available for those interested in this type of hybrid work.
Expanding Access to Justice Through Tech Solutions
With an increase in remote legal services and even virtual legal consultations, legal guidance is becoming more accessible to populations that the field has historically underserved. For lawyers and other law-adjacent professionals who are interested in expanding access to justice, working in a corresponding role with a tech company could empower you to make a difference.
Lifelong Learning: Upskilling for the Future Legal Workforce
More than ever, anybody working in a field related to law should commit to a lifetime of learning and professional development. The tech revolution in law has only just begun, and it is likely that the most exciting trends and innovations are still around the corner. Prepared to upskill and continue learning, today's legal professionals can be better equipped to tackle the demands of the future legal workforce with confidence.
How Law Schools Are Adapting to Technological Change
As technology in law continues to evolve, law schools must adapt their curricula to prepare students for the realities of working in the field.
Integrating Legal Technology Into Curricula
More than ever, law schools must have the resources available to integrate the latest legal technology and software into their teachings. This means ensuring that students can access the latest legal software and tools they'll be expected to use in the real world.
Teaching Data Literacy and Innovation Thinking
In an increasingly automated world with easy access to AI-generated answers at our fingertips, students in legal programs must also be taught basic data literacy. Rather than simply believing everything they read online, future generations of legal professionals need to be able to think and research independently, relying on only the most authoritative sources to gather information.
Preparing Students for Evolving Legal Careers
Perhaps above all else, today's legal programs must prepare students to be versatile and adaptable. Teaching students how to stay on top of the latest trends and emerging innovations can help prepare them for success no matter what the future of the legal profession may hold.
Real-World Examples of Legal Tech in Action
What does it look like when legal tech is leveraged for good? Here are a couple of examples of legal tools and innovations in action.
AI Tools Enhancing Legal Research in Major Firms
Professionals in law-adjacent fields can easily spend hours researching topics manually, but the latest AI tools are making it possible to automate the bulk of this research — thus freeing up valuable time and resources for other tasks. Specifically, tools like Bloomberg Law's Brief Analyzer are automating the process of reviewing legal briefs, discovering case law and even checking citations.
Blockchain for Smart Property and Contract Execution
Meanwhile, blockchain technology and smart contracts are being used across the legal field to streamline processes and save time. In real estate, for example, smart contracts can help automate lease agreements and facilitate property/deed transfers.
Preparing for a Tech-Enabled Legal Future
Whether you aspire to practice law or simply want to better understand law as it relates to an adjacent field, keep in mind the following as you prepare for a tech-driven future.
Embracing Change While Honoring Legal Principles
Working in law means upholding your sense of ethics, integrity and legal principles above all else. Even during times of innovation, change and growth, this should not be overlooked.
Building Tech Competence Alongside Legal Expertise
Decades ago, aspiring lawyers and other legal professionals may have been able to build successful careers based on their legal expertise alone. However, with the legal field and technology now inextricably connected, legal professionals are compelled to build tech proficiency alongside their legal expertise if they wish to thrive professionally.
Creating a Career Plan That Includes Innovation and Agility
When planning for the future, be it five months or five years from now, legal professionals should incorporate innovation and agility in their career plans. The legal landscape has proven that it can change with little notice, so being versatile and able to adapt to evolving client needs can help you stay relevant and competitive.
Staying Ahead Through Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Finally, set yourself up for long-term success with a commitment to continuous learning, adaptation and growth. In the legal field, you're never truly done learning — so sign up for professional development workshops, new classes and certificate programs. The more opportunities you take advantage of, the more potential you'll have.
Stay on Top of Changes With the Right Education
No industry remains stagnant for long, and the legal field is just one of many that is constantly advancing and innovating. From the introduction of AI technology to the emergence of cloud-based case management systems and legal chatbots, it has come a long way in a relatively short period of time. That’s why professionals must be prepared to adapt to and leverage the latest technologies amid an ever-shifting legal landscape.
If you're looking to enhance your own understanding of law and apply it in today's competitive job market, the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University is proud to offer a range of degree and certificate programs. This includes our Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Laws (LLM) and even graduate compliance certificate programs to suit your needs.
Get in touch to learn more or begin your online application today!
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