5. What discussions has the Counsel General had in relation to the growing use of digital technologies in the legal sector? OAQ52810

I've met with a number of law firms across Wales over the past six months and, whilst their take-up and interest in new digital technologies necessarily varies, it's clear that all of them see the opportunities to improve productivity and enhance their specialist knowledge and their skills. The utilisation of tech and innovation within the legal sector is very welcome.

Thank you, Counsel General. The Law Society president has recently said that the law profession is not preparing new entrants for the realities of current practice, let alone the changes that we can foresee. I'm very pleased that you and the Minister for digital, the leader of the house, and the Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning are able to attend the round-table I'm convening next month with the law schools and with the big law firms to consider the implications of this for the sector. I know you've shown a great deal of interest in how developments in technology can improve access to justice. Would you also consider the implications for the business model for many small law firms? In my constituency alone, there are some 30 small solicitors. It could well be that the development of automation in the sector could have the same impact on the legal profession as we have seen on high-street banks, where they are wiped out from our towns. I'd be grateful if you'd consider the implications of this and how we can help the sector to adapt.

The Member makes a very important point. I, in fact, met this morning with officials to discuss this topic, amongst other topics in fact, and it's clear, as I hinted at in my initial answer, that the challenge and opportunity of technology is felt across the sector, although, admittedly in different ways, in different parts of the sector, as you would expect.

He mentioned the question of the need for a new skillset, if I can put it like that, for people entering the profession, to address the new realities. There is an interesting recruitment planned in various firms in Wales, where people are looking at unconventional routes through the practice, rather than the conventional route of associate and partner—that you can follow a route that perhaps develops your expertise on the interface between technology and law. That's happening already in some of the larger city firms in London, but it's also happening here in Wales. I think that's an interesting development that recognises some of these changes.

But there are also aspects that go beyond the impact on the business model, which is important, into the actuality of law, with smart contracts and blockchain becoming an increasing reality in some aspects of practice. That requires a very different way of practising law in itself. The Law Commission is embarking on a project to review the law in this very area, so you may be interested in that. I think the message to law firms in all parts of Wales is that there are opportunities, but also threats to some aspects of their business model and that they should engage with that actively and we stand ready to support them in any way that is possible.

Thank you very much, Counsel General.