Ten years from now law firms will place more value on human traits such as empathy and other soft skills, according to 78% of heads of legal at global companies
The Simmons & Simmons survey of 500 top corporate counsel, ‘Law firm of the future’, published last week, found 77% predict the desired skillset for lawyers will transform, with more demand for multidisciplinary skills such as technological proficiency alongside legal expertise.
More than four out of five agreed law firms will become more wellbeing focused within the decade—both for their clients and employees. Some 74% predict disruption to services and pricing due to technological advances, and 75% said they expect tech to act as a force for good, for example, by opening up access to law for under-served communities.
Simmons & Simmons’ senior partner Julian Taylor said: ‘It’s clear the profession is on the cusp of a deep transformation.’
