NSW Law Society Releases Future of Law and Innovation in the Profession Report
Monday 3 April 2017 @ 2.03 p.m. | Judiciary, Legal Profession & Procedure | Legal Research
At the end of March 2017, the NSW Law Society has released their report to the Future of Law and Innovation in the Profession (FLIP) Inquiry. The report allowed the NSW Law Society to identify 12 key findings as well as 19 recommendations for future legal practice in NSW.
Background to the Inquiry
The Law Society established the FLIP inquiry to:
-
identify and understand the changes currently affecting the profession;
- inform solicitors and to gather data for use in future policy; and
- place itself at the centre of change, so as to help the profession develop the leadership required to respond to the challenges ahead.
Methodology of the Inquiry
The commission of inquiry heard from:
- more than 100 individuals on eight different topics in commission sessions;
- a further 10 individuals from various sectors of the profession;
- the Law Society's Regional Presidents; and
- the Law Society's Legal Technology Committee.
Key Findings of the Inquiry
The FLIP Inquiry identified 12 key findings including:
- Consumers of legal services are seeking value and competition is increasing;
- New ways of working are proliferating;
- Inhouse corporate lawyers are driving change, seeking client-focussed service, using legal technology, re-engineering work processes and monitoring costs;
- Changing cultures, consumer pressure and lower prices are driving increased use of legal technology;
- New areas of work and new roles are likely to emerge with technology;
- Artificial intelligence raises regulatory and ethical issues that require investigation and guidance for solicitors;
- There is an urgent need for funding for legal assistance and a role for technology and innovation to aid access to justice;
- The law graduate of the future needs a range of new skills and knowledge;
- Change can enhance personal wellbeing if its introduction is appropriately supported;
- A variety of emerging, flexible work arrangements (eg freelancing) could promote diversity;
- Connectivity and globalisation raise new and great opportunities and threats for lawyers. Globalisation is challenging domestic law reform; and
- Innovation and changing consumer behaviour require practical guidance for solicitors and raise regulatory questions that require further investigation.
Key Recommendations of the Inquiry
The FLIP Inquiry identified 19 key recommendations including:
- Help solicitors share information about new ways of working;
- Establish a centre for legal innovation projects to research and support change;
- Investigate setting up an incubator for tech-enabled innovation;
- Sponsor an annual hackathon for community legal assistance;
- Advocate for appropriate funding for community legal assistance;
- Empower solicitors to better plan and implement change within practices;
- Integrate wellbeing into CPD, and change and innovation projects;
- Promote diversity and monitor impacts of flexible work arrangements;
- Offer CPD on practical topics in private international law;
- Seek ALRC reference on laws that affect cross-border disputes;
- Research efficacy of online legal documents and investigate regulating legal information;
- Raise awareness of the value of legal advice;
- Draft guidance for lawyers as entrepreneurs and businesspeople; and
- Continue supporting solicitors and innovation by investigating how to reduce regulatory barriers.
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