The legal profession is a highly dynamic business that requires constant adaptation. What worked one quarter may not be the right approach the next, especially when it comes to attracting and keeping clients. New practices and methods can help firms to develop innovative strategies that work for them. One such concept is known as “law new,” and it can be an important aspect of any firm’s overall strategy.
Law new is an umbrella term that describes a variety of legal services that are provided in different ways than traditional methods. It can encompass a number of legal practice areas that include working with underserved communities, coming up with innovative strategies to reach out to clients and creating new types of legal offerings. Law new can be a key part of a firm’s business model, and it is something that all legal firms should explore to determine whether this type of practice can benefit them in the long run.
While the country rang in 2023, many state legislatures quietly passed laws that took effect on Jan. 1. These new laws address a range of topics, from quirky to serious, and many are addressing issues that are dominating the national conversation.
For instance, a law in Missouri now makes it a misdemeanor to sleep or camp on public lands without permission, while a law in New York gives voters more leeway with voting locations. In addition, a law in New York now requires companies that handle personal information to promptly disclose a security breach to affected persons, while a law in Illinois makes it illegal for employers to refuse to hire someone who has been convicted of a violent crime.
Regardless of the specifics, the overall trend is clear: The legal industry is evolving to better mirror the business and society it serves. It will be more holistically diverse – cognitively, demographically and culturally – and it will be more collaborative and tech-savvy. It will be more integrated with corporate customers and will work more closely with other legal functions in the enterprise, as well as across industries.
This shift will cause the industry to refocus on serving legal consumers and society-at-large, rather than preserving legacy delivery models, outdated legal education, self-regulation and profit preservation. It will embrace technology and focus on process, and it will work in concert with other legal providers to create innovative solutions that are cost-effective and timely.
It will also be less hierarchical, and the responsibilities of each team member will vary depending on the work required. In some cases, the tasks will be divided into smaller units that are handled by individuals who work independently on projects that require a specialized skill set. In other cases, teams will be assigned larger projects with a common goal in mind. Either way, this shift will transform the practice of law in the 21st century. It will be faster, more collaborative and more focused on the needs of legal consumers.