Then, Now, Next

When I were a lad….

I know, that start to a sentence usually induces a sigh from those within earshot. But hear me out…

First let me set the scene- why do I have anything relevant to add to a discussion about progress and futureproofing in the legal sector?

As a trainee solicitor (Articled Clerk in fact) in 1991, my early lawyering days were pre-email, pre-internet and mostly pen and paper based. Word processors were only just being introduced.

Consider how far things have moved on since then. Mobile phones, SMS, Emails, internet, websites, WhatsApp, Teams calls, Social Media.

While I may not be a guru on any of these things (friends and colleagues will be nodding at this point) I am an effective user, and my everyday working life is enabled and impacted by use of these tools which didn’t even exist when I started.

Now think about a new lawyer starting at your firm tomorrow. All of the tech I’ve mentioned is THEIR starting point. And just like my early days, there is a tech advance looming large on the horizon for them and the sector. I’m talking of course about AI. There will be thought leaders within your firms and within your advisory circles. Some of the brightest thinkers on innovation will be the new starters with their fearless adoption of new technology. However just like in my day, the best solutions will, in my view, come from harnessing the experience of all the different Gens.

Because right now, the stock phrase is “law firms need to be ready for AI”. What does that even mean? 34 years ago if someone said “Law firms need to be ready for the internet” the same lack of clarity would have been evident.

The simple fact is that the pace of change is faster, and the road ahead is just as ill-defined, but with the application of experience, enthusiasm and the seeking of appropriate guidance from real experts, a truly exciting future opens up.

34 years ago, as tech changed, it was embraced. There were hard lessons. There were painful and difficult alterations to long-established ways of working. But look at where we have all got to now. Consider where we might be in 34 more years.

As Jean-Luc Picard says- “Let’s see what’s out there”.