The technology world is not the only industry to see major changes in 2012. According to legal experts across Canada, including the Financial Post's Mitch Kowalski, this year could be crucial to the future of lawyers and other legal professionals.
"The commercial pressures of the global economy are too great to ignore," Kowalski states, and industry leaders have a responsibility to produce creative and efficient ways to make legal services faster and more affordable. The legal expert compiled a set of predictions that he believes could occur and make an impact on the industry.
Not just limited to IT firms, cloud technology is already being utilized by smaller firms and individual practitioners. Kowalski predicts that some mid-sized firms with multiple locations will move toward the cloud this year in order to improve efficiency and flexibility.
Kowalski makes several other predictions about the industry, including the development of a new business model that improves access to justice, changes in how firms apply legal fees, and another potential Canadian/UK law firm merger.
While Kowalski's predictions pertain directly to lawyers, changes that impact them may also affect those in supporting roles. Paralegals, legal administrative assistants, and anyone considering these careers need to stay informed about developments in the industry. Those interested in this career field can learn the essentials of the profession in the Legal Administrative Assistant program at Reeves College. To learn more, fill out the form on the right.