In times like ours, the importance of digital skills in the legal profession has never been higher up the agenda. Universities and firms alike are asking themselves, what are the skills of the future? How do we prepare for them? How can we mitigate risk where possible? These changes are fast becoming fundamental to our new operating paradigm. And understanding these changes helps to shape the future lawyer and the wider profession.
Adoption of communication technology like Discord, Zoom, Slack, and perhaps the less fashionable Google Hangouts, are the new staple for the digital lawyer. Knowing how to present online, muting one’s microphone when others are speaking, and true multitasking are soft skills in demand for large and small firms alike. That said, there are generational shifts through digitalisation, where the entire economy is shifting to a digital-only landscape.
Thriving in an environment like today requires a more hands-on and perhaps nuanced approach. For budding lawyers working their way into the profession, while motivated and keen, are perhaps less prepared for the changed state of play in the legal sector.
Bruce Love, writing for the Financial Times, speaks of the need for lawyers to be tech-savvy and also informed on the latest technological developments. The interviews in the special report showcase how having a fundamental understanding of satellite communications and live television transmission has helped clients on taxation of space enterprise. More cutting edge still, how understanding Bitcoin allows for better advice on the custody risk of accepting the digital currency.
With the forthcoming transition to the SQE regime, there is an opportunity to invest in a cohort of lawyers who are digitally-savvy and digitally minded from the very start of their career. Widening talent and access will mean a new generation of lawyers will bring their skills into the profession while also embracing trends that lay before them.
Appreciating the benefits of the new SQE system can help your law school thrive in a digital economy.
Creating the best partnerships and training programmes for your institution requires expertise and forethought. Discuss your needs with us to see how you can create the future digitally savvy lawyer.
