Does technology pose an existential threat to one’s future career as a lawyer? Entrepreneurs, practitioners and academics will be discussing that key question at a Queen’s Law conference on November 17. The day-long event, “Lawyer 2.0: The Future of Legal Practice,” will give law students and new lawyers an opportunity to think widely and creatively about their legal education and its potential in an increasingly digital age.
 
Co-organizers Joshua Rim and Chris Sullivan, both Law’20, came up with the idea for this event when they worked for the school this summer. “Joshua and I thought it was important for law students to reflect on how technology will change the provision of legal services and how we will adapt,” says Sullivan, who worked with the Student Services Office.

“When we broached the topic with the administration, they were very enthusiastic,” he continues. “Several new programs and offerings at Queen’s Law tie in perfectly with this kind of conference.” These include the Graduate Diploma in Legal Services Management, Professor Samuel Dahan’s Conflict Analytics Lab, the Queen’s Technology Law Club and the Queen’s Venture Law Society. 

Lawyer 2.0 sets the stage for an exhibition of modern developments in legal technology and an assessment of their significance to future lawyers. The conference will also showcase innovative career paths in law, along with strategies to better leverage a JD outside of traditional legal practice.

“For those planning to practise law, it is increasingly important to be able to understand the new challenges and opportunities presented by the latest innovations,” says Rim. “More and more legal tech entrepreneurs are developing innovative technologies that are streamlining and improving the delivery of legal services as we know it.”

The event, being held in room 001 of the Queen’s Law building, boasts an impressive array of guest speakers. Keynote speaker Jason Moyse, co-founder of Law Made, will focus on the twin roles of expertise and adaptability when it comes to innovating in a future practice. Diligen co-founder and CEO Konrad Pola will share his personal experience leaving practice to start a legal tech company. Thomas Hamilton, ROSS Intelligence’s VP of Legal Strategy, will tell his own story of transformation from Canadian law student to California entrepreneur, and attest to the role of artificial intelligence in improving access to justice.

Lawyer 2.0 will also share the perspectives of traditional legal practitioners. Aaron Baer, an associate with Aird & Berlis, will speak to the challenges large firms face in implementing new technologies by simultaneously bringing junior and experienced lawyers up to speed. Laura Fetter, Fasken’s Director of Innovation, will similarly impart her insights upon students.

Queen’s faculty members will also speak at the conference. Professor Shai Dubey, Law’94, Academic Director of the Graduate Diploma in Legal Services Management, will examine how legal education can evolve to meet the changing needs of practice. Professor Samuel Dahan, Director of the Conflict Analytics Lab, will present the work of the global consortium and expose how predictive software can change the future of arbitration proceedings.

Despite the many fascinating topics Lawyer 2.0 will explore later this month, Rim and Sullivan emphasize that the primary goal they share is simple: to reach Queen’s Law students who are thinking about their future.

“Students come to Queen’s Law to get a stellar legal education, but a key part of that process is considering the many ways you can use that education when you graduate,” asserts Sullivan. “We want Lawyer 2.0 to help students with that in some way.”

“This event will also greatly benefit practising lawyers, as the speakers will delve into the many current and future changes coming to the industry,” Rim adds. “An impressive number of alumni will be in attendance.”

Lawyer 2.0 is co-sponsored by Conflict Analytics, Legal Hackers, the Queen’s Technology Law Club and the Queen’s Venture Law Society.

To register for Lawyer 2.0, free of charge, visit the conference web page.  Lunch and refreshments will be provided. 

By Justin Murphy