The legal profession, a profession rooted in tradition, has undergone a profound transformation in recent decades. What was previously a practice marked by formality and litigation, today has become a dynamic discipline adaptable to constant changes in the environment. Although the role of the lawyer has always been fundamental to guarantee the rule of law and justice, the technological advances of recent decades along with major social changes have brought significant transformations in the practice of the profession.
From Brons & Salasthey asked some of the oldest lawyers and partners what their vision of the profession was and the most significant changes in recent times. The same questions were also answered by younger lawyers and paralegals, who shared their vision.
Most experienced lawyers remember a time when legal practice was characterized by greater formality and a more focused approach to litigation. They recognize how technology has impacted their work, especially in terms of the speed and ease of accessing information. As for the topics, a few years ago the focus was on understanding the legal framework and providing legal advice, today there are newer areas that clients request a lot, such as cybersecurity or Artificial Intelligence, closely related to copyright law issues. property.
“The current lawyer actively monitors the activity of his clients. This is a much more personalized service, with full availability and quick reaction. In the traditional model, the relevant aspects were knowledge of the law and experience. Today the quick response and clarity to understand the legal framework are one of the points that clients request the most,” he says. María José Rodríguez Macias, partner in charge of the Intellectual Property department
“In the past, much of the work was focused on staying informed about legal and market changes, a task that was not at all simple, however, today it is possible to find out about these changes in a few seconds, which is why the lawyer has become “I become a strategic consultant for companies, anticipating risks and designing tailored legal solutions,” he adds. Leandro Cáceres, partner, in charge of the tax law department.
“Beyond being a simple legal advisor, today the corporate lawyer has become a strategic partner for companies. “You must have knowledge of the business and a global vision of the market, anticipate risks and opportunities and accompany clients in making key decisions,” he adds. Macias.
Young lawyers, for their part, have grown up in a digital environment and are more familiar with new technologies. For them, the lawyer is a problem solver who uses innovative tools to provide efficient and personalized responses to his clients. However, they recognize that adapting to a constantly changing world is one of the greatest challenges of their generation. One of the biggest challenges today is to stay informed of everything that happens in real time, from the legal framework to the markets, laws change from one day to the next and you must always be ready and informed, today’s lawyer is all terrain.
“Today, much of the lawyer’s work focuses on adapting advice to each specific case, considering both the particularities of the client and changes in current regulations and circumstances,” he says. Julieta Noti, Lawyer in the Labor Law & Labor Relations practice area
One of the points that is most repeated in both groups is that the personalization of service is one of the main trends in the legal profession. Clients increasingly value individualized attention and expect attorneys to take the time to understand their needs and concerns. Additionally, technology facilitates communication and collaboration between attorneys and clients, allowing processes to be streamlined and the experience personalized. While AI can make certain tasks easier, creativity, critical thinking, and empathy will remain essential skills for lawyers of the future.
In conclusion, the role of the lawyer has evolved significantly in recent decades, and today’s lawyers must combine their legal knowledge with technological skills and a strategic vision to meet the challenges of the future. Despite the changes, the essence of the profession remains intact: the pursuit of justice and the defense of people’s rights.
Source: Ambito
