“The 22nd Century Law Firm – Closer Than We Think?” co-presented by Elizabeth Hacker Ryan, panelist
As we peer into the future, with technology advancing faster than our firms can keep up with, what will be some of the issues and challenges that face our firms in the near and not so near future? This panel will address the following issues that are already confronting us and will take on greater importance and relevance in the months and years ahead.
- Advances in technology which will cause law firms to transfer more of their work to counsel abroad (such as India or China) or to non-lawyers or computers.
- How third party vendors, such as Legal Zoom and other inexpensive legal providers, will cause firms to redefine themselves and their practice.
- The use of artificial intelligence to develop case strategy, write briefs, and prepare for trial.
- The advent of virtual law firms where in the interest of saving money for rent and related fees, more and more, attorneys will be working from home or at their local Starbucks.
- The role paralegals, legal assistants, and law clerks will play in the firm of the future.