The future of the legal industry is being reshaped by technological innovations normally associated with consumer tech, as evidenced by some of the most pertinent discussions from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
One of the key topics was the topic of Gen Z’s rising influence within the legal sector. According to the CTA Director of Research Jessica Boothe and futurist Brian Comiskey, we are on the brink of a significant shift in demographics with Gen Zs representing a growing portion of the global population – a group whose onboarding to tech has been rather natural. The imminent growth of Gen Z as lawyers, jurors, judges, and legal professionals is too crucial to exempt from the radar of the legal industry. The resulting challenge lies within finding a common ground to better communicate, understand, and adapt to Gen Z’s priorities and expectations around technology.
Another major highlight was the pervasive rise of connectivity in the world, especially in emerging markets. According to the CES presentation, about 5.4 billion people are connected to the internet today and 1 billion more will be added by 2027. The resulting increase in digital access calls for an evolution of the legal profession’s persuasion tools, transitioning from traditional paper-based methods to digital platforms.
The increased acceptance of AI can no longer be overlooked by the legal profession. Most adults are not only familiar with AI but have a favourable view of it. As such, the legal industry is expected to be more efficient by leveraging AI. According to Boothe, AI and Gen AI can be used to significantly address the current challenges being faced in healthcare, a trend reflective of potential improvements and opportunities in the legal sector as well.
Interestingly, smart TVs are also playing an emerging role in our daily lives, which could extend to the legal industry as well. Enhanced connectivity and digital control could potentially transfigure smart TVs into communication hubs, replacing traditional computing devices in some legal settings.
Furthermore, the gaming industry’s revolution through AI could also hold implications for the legal sector. Lawyers will need to adapt to a new generation of jurists, clients and decision makers who are comfortable with the gaming experience, and understand the concepts of graphics and distortions of reality within it.
These trends making ripples in the world of consumer technology will unavoidably affect the legal industry, making adaptation and understanding crucial for the future of legal professionals around the globe.