7 Trends Changing the Legal Industry and the Role of Technology

As the world increasingly becomes powered by the flex of varying technological inventions, our lives and careers are also getting significantly reshaped – with, or without our permission. While the crux of these technological developments has enabled efficiency, productivity and competitiveness, they have also influenced demographic, attitude and work-style changes.

Below, we have considered seven (7) trends that are currently reshaping the legal industry:

Globalization

The scale of the internet, resulting in the automation of legal processes, developments in data security and emerging technology tools, and the deployment of trade agreements like AfCFTA are providing domestic law firms with the opportunity to expand across borders, collaborate with foreign counsel and form intercontinental mergers, erasing traditional boundaries on the geographic scope of law practice.

As the footprint of law firms continue to expand, globalization will continue to reshape the landscape of the legal industry in the coming years.

Electronic Evidence

Recent amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules in different states in the country have considered electronically stored information like emails, instant messages, voice notes, graphics and data on smart and other handheld devices and made them acceptable in litigation to address the electronic realities of a digital age.

Virtual Law Firms

The affordable price and scale of Smart mobile devices, SaaS (software-as-a-service), and secure, web-based technology, legal professionals can now work from virtually anywhere in the world and serve any client beyond their geographic borders (a.k.a Remote work).

Virtual law offices provide an alternative method of practising law that permits flexible work hours and fosters a better work/life balance for legal professionals. – The Balance Careers

Multi-Generational Workforce

In the workplace today, four generations of people are working side-by-side (this has never been the case at any point in time in workplace history) and this has been greatly influenced by technology. Inclusiveness and Remote work are now possible because of the spread and speed of the internet. More so, people are now able to get international degrees and certification online to boost their career prospects.

The 4-generations of colleagues you may have are: 

Traditionalists (currently between ages 75 and 80) are generally partners, managers, senior support staff or part-time administrative staff who work to keep busy after retirement. They tend to be very hardworking (but may work shorter hours), respect authority, tech-challenged and are (as their name implies) traditional.

Second generation colleagues are called Baby Boomers (about 65 years old). They are usually very work-centric, goal-oriented, competitive and independent.

Generation X (currently between age 35 – 50) are generally individualistic, value work-life balance, are quite technologically savvy and flexible.

Generation Y are group/family-oriented, very tech-savvy, achievement-oriented, crave attention and are usually job-hopping.

These generations working together at the same time present new workforce dynamics and challenges.  As Baby Boomers near retirement, there’s a whole population of Generation Z (born between 1991 and 2012) entering into the workplace already and this will only continue to change workplace dynamics.

Social Media

Social Media is already transforming the business and practice of law. Many legal professionals are using their platforms to educate people about varying categories of law, and are transitioning into consulting as a result. Many are even becoming ‘Influencers’ who work in partnership with brands to scale legal education. Social media is also changing how legal professionals recruit, job hunt, network, locate and discredit witnesses, manage their careers and interact with clients. Smart legal professionals are using LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as key marketing tools helping them reach a broader audience and accomplish branding, advertising, as well as client development goals.

Eco-Consciousness

“As going green becomes a global priority, green law initiatives are impacting the business and practice of law.  In response to global warming, economic pressure and eco-conscious clients, law firms and legal professionals across the globe are establishing green initiatives that cut expenses, reduce their carbon footprint and promote social responsibility.  Environmental law or “green law” is a growing practice area and many firms are establishing niche sub-practices in fair trade, organics, renewable energy, green building, and climate change.” – The Balance Careers

Alternative Legal Service Delivery Models

“Lawyers no longer have a monopoly on the law.  The legal marketplace is changing, and clients can seek legal assistance from a growing number of non-lawyer professionals including paralegal technicians, legal document preparers, legal self-help sites, virtual assistants and offshore legal vendors. These new options enable bringing affordable legal services to disadvantaged populations and empower citizens to address their own legal matters.  As the cost of legal services continues to rise, new legal delivery models will continue to emerge and gain momentum in the coming years.” – The Balance Careers.