WHICH TRENDS ARE THE TOP LAW SPEAKERS TRACKING IN TODAY’S LEGAL LANDSCAPE?

Unsurprisingly, top law speakers who give keynotes at events posit that technology is radically reshaping the legal industry landscape. Experts have noted a host of emerging trends that are poised to further transform the profession in the years ahead. The way the best top law speakers tell it, here’s what to watch going forward:

1. Widescale Adoption of Cloud Computing – While some firms have been slow to move to the cloud due to security concerns, futurists say accelerated cloud migration is inevitable. Cloud platforms offer enhanced flexibility, scalability, remote accessibility and cost efficiencies for law firms and legal departments in top law speakers’ eyes.
2. Proliferation of AI and Machine Learning – Artificial intelligence capabilities like machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics will become ubiquitous in legal tech tools. AI can automate time-intensive tasks like contract review, legal research, IP analysis and more with greater speed and accuracy.
3. Increased Use of Legal Process Automation – Efforts powered by AI, machine learning and robotic process automation will streamline workflows and matter management. Routine tasks like documentation, communications, and approvals can be automated for maximum efficiency.
4. Blockchain for Seamless, Secure Transactions – While still an emerging use case, the best top law speakers predict blockchain will eventually be leveraged for secure, tamper-proof recording of transactions like contracts, chain of custody, IP rights and more within the legal sphere.
5. Virtual Law Firm Models Enabled by Technology – Just as remote work became the norm, legal service delivery models will become increasingly virtualized. Speakers foresee more “virtual law firms” operating without centralized offices through secure, cloud-based platforms.
6. Explosion of Legal Data Analytics and Metrics – Firms and legal departments will rely more heavily on data analytics tools and business intelligence platforms to leverage data for strategic decision-making, pricing models, talent management and more.
7. The Rise of the Legal Cloud Broker – As legal cloud platforms and SaaS tools proliferate, say top law speakers, a new role will likely emerge – the legal cloud broker. These IT experts will manage firms’ or legal teams’ cloud ecosystems, integrations and data governance.

While these cutting-edge technologies hold immense potential, top law speakers acknowledge significant change management will be required. Firms must modernize their processes, reskill talent and proactively shape their tech strategies to stay competitive in the future legal landscape.