Future-proofing the legal mind is the central theme of Richard Susskind’s latest work, which has entered its third edition as an international bestseller published by Oxford University Press. As artificial intelligence and technology reshape the public profession of law, the book serves as a guide for legal education globally. It addresses the needs of students, lawyers, judges, and academics facing a rapidly changing environment.
The book outlines three primary drivers of change for new lawyers: the “More for Less” challenge, liberalization, and technology. The first driver suggests that lawyers must do more with fewer resources due to economic constraints. The second driver, liberalization, refers to the introduction of alternative business structures where non-lawyers can own and run legal businesses. This concept, initially highlighted in the 2004 Clementi Report, allows for a broader range of service providers. The third driver is technology, which influences everything from court systems to data science decision-making processes.
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Another significant trend highlighted in the text is the diversification of legal service delivery. Susskind lists various methods such as outsourcing, off-shoring, and co-sourcing. These arrangements often involve non-lawyers providing services that were historically the exclusive domain of legal professionals. For example, chartered accountants are increasingly licensed to practice tax law. This shift creates interdisciplinary competition, challenging traditional legal service models.
The Role of Technology and AI
Susskind devotes considerable attention to the disruptive technologies transforming the legal field. He identifies fifteen specific technologies, including workflow management and natural language processing. These tools are not just conveniences; they are reshaping how legal services are delivered and consumed. The author notes that senior judges and government bodies are strongly advocating for wider technology use, with the British government committing over £1 billion to digitize the court system in England and Wales.
The potential for machine justice is a particularly discussed concept. Susskind anticipates a future where machines generate fully authoritative and binding court determinations. He writes that he can now conceive of circumstances where society might welcome such machine-generated outcomes. This vision extends to online courts and online dispute resolution (ODR), which aim to use the internet and mobile technologies to help people understand and enforce their legal rights.
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The final section of the book focuses on the prospects for young lawyers and the training required to meet them. Susskind argues that law schools are currently admitting more students than there are job opportunities. He urges the next generation to be proactive and look for experiences that prepare them for tomorrow. The author suggests that training should move beyond traditional methods to include e-learning and simulated legal practice.
Students are encouraged to find new ways to apply their legal knowledge, such as working in the interests of society rather than solely for lawyers. Susskind’s advice is to “skate where the puck’s going,” implying that young professionals must adapt to new opportunities like legal tech startups. He concludes by urging lawyers to join a growing movement of people upgrading justice through technology, ensuring that the legal profession remains a benevolent custodian of society’s rights in an automated world.
