The legal industry continually evolves, requiring lawyers to possess more than just extensive legal knowledge and experience; it demands more diverse skills. While soft skills like commercial awareness, communication, and teamwork have always been essential, the post-pandemic landscape has brought forth requirements for new abilities. Let’s delve into the most sought-after skills to prepare you for upcoming opportunities.
AI Technologies
Reflecting on 2023, it’s evident that ChatGPT has gained significant global attention this year. The surge of generative AI technologies, including ChatGPT, is not only reshaping the legal and regulatory landscape but also opening new avenues for enhanced efficiency. Lawyers equipped to utilize augmentation tools for research, analysis, and drafting set themselves apart. Alongside ChatGPT, ClickUp recommends 10 legal AI tools for legal practices and professionals. [1]
Cyber security
Constrained by stringent data protection laws, it falls upon lawyers to shield the company/firm and their clients from cyber threats. As legal professionals, we are entrusted with sensitive information, making us potential prime targets for threats. Possessing cybersecurity skills can set you apart from competitors in the legal industry. To effectively prevent the breach of confidential information, it’s crucial to understand the use of strong passwords, software patching, and data encryption. Additionally, having access to a reliable guide[2] or online resource[3] that outlines key threats and offers best practice tips is essential.
Resilience
The pandemic has underscored the critical need for resilience. In a lawyer’s daily routine filled with meetings, deadlines, and urgent demands, the collision with a life-changing crisis like the pandemic necessitates resilience to adapt to remote work, Zoom meetings, electronic document signings. The ability to overcome negative emotions and navigate challenging life experiences is imperative. Post-COVID-19, resilience has become a vital component of a lawyer’s toolkit for success. Consequently, companies and law firms increasingly prioritize resilience as a key requirement when hiring new talent. Nurturing this skill involves building strong positive relationships, engaging in gratitude practices, maintaining self-awareness, embracing mental agility, and, most importantly, cultivating optimism.
[1] Alex York, “10 Legal AI Tools for Legal Practices and Professional in 2023,” ClickUp, 20 October 2023, https://clickup.com/blog/ai-tools-for-lawyers/ (accessed on 29 Nov 2023)
[2] “Guide to cybersecurity,” Law Society of Scotland, https://www.lawscot.org.uk/members/business-support/technology/cybersecurity-guide/ (accessed on 29 Nov 2023)
[3] “Cybersecurity,” The Law Society, https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/cybersecurity (accessed on 29 Nov 2023)
Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash