Future Lawyers? What do we mean by this?
– Sukhcharan Gill
As we lawyers know for a definite, the legal profession is undergoing a transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing client expectations, and evolving societal needs – and it becomes imperative now more than ever that lawyers in India realise and adapt their skills to fit the standards. Richard Susskind, a prominent legal scholar and author, has been at the forefront of predicting and analyzing these changes. His insights into the future of law provide a roadmap for how lawyers will need to adapt in the coming decades.
Traditionally, the legal profession has been characterized by its reliance on precedent, a deep respect for tradition, and a highly specialized knowledge base. Lawyers in India and elsewhere have been seen as gatekeepers of complex legal systems, providing personalized and often bespoke advice to clients. In India, with examples of Senior Advocates in India contributing to the drafting of constitutions of neighbouring countries to some representing global clients at different platforms and off late frequent release of big production house movies and web shows based on courtrooms & lawyers points towards a trend. With such spotlight, now it remains to be seen as to whether this generation of Indian lawyers will be able to understand the demands of future. Several factors contribute to the growing challenges:
Technological Disruption: The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data analytics is transforming how legal services are delivered. Document review, legal research, and even some aspects of litigation are being automated, reducing the need for human intervention in routine tasks.
Client Expectations: Clients, both corporate and individual, are demanding more efficient, cost-effective, and transparent legal services. The traditional billable hour model is being questioned, and there is a growing emphasis on value-based billing and alternative fee arrangements.
Globalization: The legal profession is no longer confined to national borders. Cross-border transactions, international arbitration, and global regulatory issues are becoming more common, requiring lawyers to have a broader understanding of different legal systems and cultures.
Regulatory Changes: In many jurisdictions, the regulation of the legal profession is evolving, with non-lawyer ownership of law firms and alternative business structures becoming more common. This is leading to increased competition and innovation in the delivery of legal services.
Richard Susskind has been a leading voice in articulating how these changes will shape the future of the legal profession. In his books, including ‘The End of Lawyers?’ and ‘Tomorrow’s Lawyers’, Susskind outlines several key characteristics of the future lawyer:
Technologically Proficient: Future lawyers will need to be adept at using technology to enhance their practice. This includes not only understanding legal tech tools but also being able to collaborate with technologists to develop new solutions. Susskind predicts that some legal tasks traditionally performed by junior lawyers, such as research and document drafting, will be increasingly handled by AI.
Client-Centric: The future lawyer will place the client at the center of their practice, focusing on delivering value rather than just legal advice. This shift requires lawyers to understand their clients’ businesses, industries, and personal needs better, allowing them to offer more tailored and strategic counsel.
Multidisciplinary: As the legal landscape becomes more complex, Susskind argues that future lawyers will need to work in multidisciplinary teams, often comprising technologists, data analysts, and business professionals. This collaboration will be essential in addressing the multifaceted legal challenges of the future.
Innovative and Entrepreneurial: The future of law will require lawyers to be more innovative and entrepreneurial. Susskind foresees the rise of legal startups and alternative legal service providers that challenge the traditional law firm model. Lawyers will need to be open to new ways of delivering legal services, including online platforms, virtual law firms, and automated legal advice systems.
Ethically Minded: While technology offers many benefits, it also raises ethical challenges, particularly around privacy, bias in AI algorithms, and the potential for reduced access to justice. Future lawyers, according to Susskind, will need to navigate these ethical issues carefully, ensuring that technological advancements are used to enhance, rather than undermine, the rule of law.
Flexible and Adaptable: The pace of change in the legal profession is accelerating, and future lawyers will need to be adaptable to survive and thrive. This means being open to continuous learning and development, staying abreast of legal and technological trends, and being willing to embrace new roles and responsibilities as the profession evolves.
Looking ahead, the legal profession in 2030 and beyond is likely to be vastly different from today. Susskind envisions a future where legal services are more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly, driven by a combination of technology and innovation. He predicts that the traditional law firm model will be challenged by new entrants, including technology companies and alternative legal service providers, who offer more efficient and cost-effective solutions.
Moreover, the role of the lawyer will continue to evolve. While some traditional tasks may be automated, Susskind argues that there will always be a need for human lawyers, particularly in complex, high-stakes cases where judgment, empathy, and creativity are required. However, these lawyers will need to be more versatile, working across different disciplines and leveraging technology to deliver better outcomes for their clients.
Remains to be seen – how we adapt, evolve and change!