Data and innovation are driving forces in the world of today. In order to remain relevant, the industry has started to embrace technological advancement. Legal tech is a broad category of technologies that have been developed to help solve a wide range of problems in the legal field. These challenges include the misalignment between consumers of legal services and service providers. The increased use of technology in the practice of the law has brought to light a new problem that is inherent to all technological solutions. It is not sufficient to have the technology. The real value of a technological tool is not in its existence but rather its application by users, and its integration with a business workflow or process.
A dynamic, intricate system of living organisms that interacts with their environment and each other. This interaction creates a complex web of relationships in which each organism has a role to play and contributes towards the health and balance of the ecosystem. Interdependence is at the core of any ecosystem.
This concept of interdependence is crucial in the world of legal technology. The use of technology is dependent on the users, and the efficiency of business processes depends on how well it’s used. People, processes and technologies are all interdependent, and their interactions have an impact on each other. It is for this reason that I refer to legal technology as an ecosystem. I also view legal tech in a broader sense than just the technology.
Legal leaders should educate all stakeholders, from lawyers to clients, on the best ways to leverage legal technology. It is essential that there be a cultural shift to embrace innovation and technology.
A greater level of collaboration is also needed among legal tech companies, law offices, corporate legal departments and bar associations. Workflows could be streamlined by platforms that integrate legal tech tools to holistic operating systems.
As I type these words, the technology-enabled transformation in legal service delivery has already begun. Artificial intelligence can automate many tactical legal tasks, such as contract review, research of case law, and document writing. Legal providers are now more than just firms of lawyers. Legal services are now offered by companies ranging from technology implementation to consulting. Some companies offer more specific services, such as workflow automation, IP Management, and Patent Drafting.
As we examine the evolving legal tech ecosystem, new roles, skills required, and educational changes become apparent. As ecosystems grow and thrive, they are constantly impacted by new members. Take a look at the many new roles in the legal sector. Legal operations professionals, data analysts and analytics professionals are examples.
They are more than just facilitators; they are also active participants in the development of technology, making sure that it is aligned with the complex requirements of legal practice. In order to integrate technology into the law, a parallel change in legal education has been required.
Law schools that are progressive are now including tech-focused curriculums, recognising the importance of producing students who are equally adept with algorithms and case law. Professional development for seasoned practitioners increasingly demands technological expertise alongside legal expertise.
Legal educators, and especially law schools, need to actively respond to this growing demand for technology proficiency in the practice of law by creating robust programs, and hiring experts to teach these skills. Students must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to use the latest digital tools, which are changing the legal landscape. Teachers must commit to teaching students critical thinking skills as well as the latest technology.
Future lawyers will need to be able to make informed choices about how to use technology to better serve their clients, improve legal procedures and interact with a digital justice system. The growing need for a change in legal education highlights the need to recognize technology as a vital element of modern law practice.
We face a crucial question as we integrate technologies, including artificial intelligence: How can we prevent data from being misused and stolen? How can we make sure that technology is used to protect and help the public, and not harm the public?
The stakes here are high.
As our world becomes more digitally interconnected, the need for robust protocols that are flexible and also ensure safety is highlighted. The way forward is ultimately adaptation, experimentation and learning. As with any ecosystem, understanding the legal tech eco-system begins by realizing that actions taken by one person can have a far-reaching impact on many others.
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