Today, the legal sector is undergoing a significant shift in how it used to operate. As a result, traditional legal practices are losing their appeal. They are being replaced by new trends from innovative minds to help businesses maintain a solid position in the industry.
However, these developments did not completely change the way people work. They have rather helped increase the productivity of individuals in this industry through minor alterations. These trends have emerged in the last few months due to the demand for more efficiency.
While certain law firms and attorneys were technologically adept and inventive prior to COVID-19, the pandemic has compelled the rest of the industry to adapt these trends to increase efficiency and productivity.
Following are five legal developments that are transforming the legal industry for increased productivity:
1. Virtual Legal Services and Freelancing
Since the pandemic, attorneys have switched to working from home, holding meetings, client calls, researching, and freelancing work while sitting at home, has enhanced productivity and network and client reach. Previously, a lawyer’s reach was limited to the location where he worked, but he may now work internationally with the advent of information technology-enabled platforms and services.
2. Cyber Attorneys
Cybersquatting has become a popular activity because of advances in technology and digitalisation. In order to combat this, cyber law is becoming more popular in India. Cyber attorneys handle cybercrime issues against an individual, a corporation, or the government. A cyber lawyer should be aware of online activities and cutting-edge technologies such as bitcoin, cybersecurity, and others. Cyberlaw also includes e-commerce, e-contracts and digital signatures, intellectual property rights, cybersecurity, and other related issues.
3. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a technique that allows disputing parties to reach a peaceful resolution. It might be a case involving a civil, criminal, marital, or business conflict. ADR has played a critical role in lowering the number of court proceedings in India since its inception as a conflict settlement process. ADR is appealing because it is cost-effective, less time-consuming, there is no fear of going to court, it is an efficient method, and it also protects the parties’ best interests.
4. A Focus on Data and Cyber Security
Cyber assaults have made the industry and big legal firms significantly more mindful of their digital procedures in recent years. With more remote work and online deliverables, there is a higher threat to virtually-held data and increased scrutiny on where said data is stored. It is a chance for cybersecurity systems to better connect with legal practitioners.
5. Growing Focus On AI In Legal Environments
Artificial intelligence (AI) is effortlessly completing an increasing range of legal duties, such as legal research, document review, billing, litigation assistance, and contract drafting and jury screening. Lawyers use virtual reality technologies to explain crucial points in a legal trial, teach new lawyers, and cooperate with clients and experts. The integration of data privacy and cybersecurity will also play an essential role in 2022.
Impact Of Trends In Law Education
Emerging technologies and trends always indicate an inevitable shift in professional courses. Accordingly, law institutes have adapted these trends to prepare students for the challenges they may face in the professional environment.
Understanding these trends in real-time is often the best way to educate students on practical industry knowledge. While the conventional curriculum is vital for a student’s understanding, it is also necessary to include material that will aid students in meeting modern demands.
The better a student is prepared by the institution, the better their prospects in the competitive post-covid world. In addition, virtual and technical improvements have created new avenues and opportunities for institutions to disseminate knowledge. For example, colleges now invite guest lecturers and legal industry professionals from around the world to give their perspectives via virtual platforms.
One such college is the Institute of Law, Nirma University (ILNU). Their adoption of an online learning module during the pandemic helped students realise their dreams despite the challenging situation. They even continued organising moot courts, events and seminars online to aid student development.
To ensure student participation, ILNU employs various teaching methods such as Simulation Exercises, Case Analysis, Presentations, Projects, and others. Professors at ILNU also ensure they disseminate industry knowledge by teaching about the transformative trends in the industry.
Their academic and professional knowledge helps create a strong base for students to build their careers. Aside from that, ILNU provides a plethora of business databases, virtual legal databases, firm annual reports, Law Journals, and other tools for students to use in their everyday academics.
ILNU is committed to providing students with knowledge that they may confidently apply in their future professional endeavours. The institute recognises the importance of instilling knowledge in students and works tirelessly to help them achieve their dream of a career in law!