Innovation

Preparing for the new normal

The Queensland legal profession is being disrupted by a number of factors including technology, innovative ways of providing legal services, oversupply of graduates and undersupply of experienced lawyers and the rise of legal operations providers. We know in Queensland the pace and impact of disruption is isolated in some areas and profound in others.

There is growing pressure for the business of law to change to be responsive to new client demands and to be competitive in a world accustomed to digital engagement and on-demand solutions. To start that conversation in the profession, QLS Council has formed an Innovation Committee to highlight and explore some of the factors at play now shaping the way we will practice law in a changed market for legal services. The Committee is preparing a draft report of practical recommendations for members to consider implementing in their law firms as well as broader changes to the profession.

The September and October editions of Proctor feature special packages of articles focusing on various aspects of innovation, technology, business practice and the disruptors affecting our jurisdiction.

In June 2019, the Innovation Committee contributed to the inaugural Entrepreneurship, Productivity & Innovation Convention aimed at supporting the profession to embrace innovation and technology.

QLS has been supported by ALTA, the Centre for Legal Innovation at the College of Law in this work. The Legal Forecast has supported discussion of the emergence of new technologies in law in Proctor.

Articles

Blockchain 101—Cracking the code

Cloud computing 101—A primer for law firms

Legal Analytics 101—Big data and the art of value spotting

Smart contracts 101—Driverless deals

Technology-assisted review 101—The rise of machines in eDiscovery

Augmented and virtual legality

Building Judge Hercules—Blending the science of analytics with the art of law

Hype, heuristics and humanity—Choosing a future in AI in the law

Online resolution—Is this the future for disputes?

The intangible force behind innovation