Emerging and fast-evolving technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity have law firms scrambling for legal talent that understands these topics.
The number of law firms recruiting legal students with a technical background during the early recruiting process nearly doubled last year compared to 2016.
More states are telling firms to boost their lawyers’ tech expertise, or run the risk of possible sanctions or penalties. Florida has begun requiring attorneys to obtain continuing education credits in technology-related courses. A lawyer who mishandled a client’s trade secrets or personal information could lose their license to practice.
Greater use of emerging technology across large enterprises in traditional industries is also driving the demand. Case law can’t always keep pace, forcing attorneys to be creative in assessing and mitigating new legal risks. Attorneys will face jury members and judges who aren’t in-the-know about tech, and attorneys who are can help translate complex concepts more convincingly to them.