How do I deal with my uncertain future in the legal profession?

Dealing with Uncertainty

Our advice, if you are apprehensive about the current state of uncertainty in the legal profession job market is to educate yourself about the future.

The future is here now, it is just very unevenly distributed.”  

The more we rely on this quote as a mantra, the more we relinquish our own agency.

It puts us all into the position of living in a future that belongs to someone else and never our own.

The best way to predict the future is to create it!
What does that mean?
The Future… Kind of scary sounding. Full of unknowns. Full of twists and turns. How can you possibly predict it?

The above quote is saying that the best way to know what is coming is to step up to be an active participant in creating the future.

⚖️ Tomorrow's Lawyers

To help you understand what the future of the work in the legal profession might look like we recommend you read Tomorrow’s Lawyers 2nd edition.

➲ The book lists out potential new career paths for lawyers that have not existed previously.

"It invites the next generation of lawyers to harness the power of technology in improving and even overhauling the way in which legal and court service is currently provided."

If you would like to seek an independent opinion please read this review of the book.

🔑 Key Takeaways

It is important to understand that lawyers can increasingly operate + practice from anywhere in the world, and across multiple legal jurisdictions.  

Example: Australian lawyer working for Australian law firm from Canada

When it comes to “behind the scenes” legal support and tech development ➲ there are no geographical limitations perhaps other than language + civil law jurisdictions (where you have been trained in a common law jurisdiction).

🥊 Alternative Dispute Resolution

Learn about the global opportunities emerging in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Example: This organisation we have not dealt with.. explain the growing opportunities in this space, presumably to help sell their ADR training.  

It is still useful to understand the opportunity.

🚀 Space Law

Think about Space Law ➲ any lawyer from any jurisdiction could theoretically practice in this interesting + expanding area of law.  

The same applies for the increased relevance of International Law in increasingly complex global commercial transactions.

🔗 Smart Contracts / Blockchain-related Law

Other areas of growth to look into Smart Contracts, Blockchain related law, etc.

A Smart Contract is a computer program or a transaction protocol which is intended to automatically execute, control or document legally relevant events and actions according to the terms of a contract or an agreement.

🔒 Privacy Law / Digital Life

Some commentators have stated that Privacy can no longer be expected as surveillance is so widespread Privacy no longer exists.

Our view is that the right to + regulation of Privacy has started and will continue to become a larger part of our increasingly Digital Lives.

It is another major growth area with local companies needing to deal with global Privacy regimes such as the GDPR for their dealings with EU Citizens.

💡 Augmented Reality + AI

Augmented reality + AI are other areas to explore.

Further Reading: FAQ: What lies ahead for the future of the legal profession?

Credits:

This FAQ was created by James D. Ford GAICD | Principal Solicitor, Blue Ocean Law Group℠.

Important Notice:

This FAQ is intended for general interest + information only.

It is not legal advice, nor should it be relied upon or used as such.

We recommend you always consult a lawyer for legal advice specifically tailored to your needs & circumstances.