Digital Technologies in the Legal Sector

Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General – in the Senedd at 2:43 pm on 24 October 2018.

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Photo of Jeremy Miles Jeremy Miles Labour 2:43, 24 October 2018

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.