David Callaghan - Director, Mullins Lawyers
As we celebrate 20 years of Queensland Leaders, David Callaghan from Mullins Lawyers considers the future of legal services. As an inaugural Industry Expert, Mullins has proudly supported Queensland Leaders Members since 2006.
Over the next decade, the value of professional advice will shift as technology makes information easier to access. David believes “expertise, judgement and trust are becoming more and more valuable.”
The next horizon
For generations, access to specialist legal knowledge has been fundamental to the value of professional advice. Clients had questions. Lawyers had the knowledge and experience to provide the answers.
That dynamic is rapidly changing.
Technology can manage complex information and simplify routine work typically performed by professionals. As a result, the value of legal advice will increasingly be based on the expertise of the team.
It’s expected that these factors will continue to influence legal services:
Demand for strategic thinking
Clients will seek advice based on strategic thinking rather than answers to questions. The ability to understand context, interpret information and determine the right course of action will become more important.
Enduring institutional knowledge
While technology will make knowledge and information more prevalent, it’s the experience within firms and accumulated knowledge across people, clients and industries that will remain difficult to replicate.
Evolving legal models
The legal landscape is likely to change significantly. The way lawyers are trained, the composition of teams and how firms bill will need
to evolve as emerging technology enables more routine work to be automated.
Practical implications
Companies should be careful not to rely too heavily on technology simply because more powerful tools are available.
The opportunity will be to focus on people and complementary technology, rather than replacement technology. The companies that strike the right balance will lead the way. This will include ongoing investment in the capabilities that are central to the provision of high-value professional services.
Defining advantage
Looking ahead, the firms that stand out are likely to excel in the following areas:
> Expertise that extends beyond information
> Strong strategic thinking and problem solving
> Investment in professional development
> Technology that complements people
> Trusted and long-term client relationships
Access to knowledge will become easier. The advantage will come from knowing how to interpret it, apply it and turn it into the right solution.
Key takeaways
1. People are the future and expertise will be increasingly valuable.
2. Technology should be designed to enhance the impact of people.
3. Problem-solving will continue to differentiate professional advisers.
Final thought
“The future of legal services will be about lawyers reimagining legal expertise through people, trust and value.”
David Callaghan – Partner, Mullins Lawyers
What if… expertise mattered more than knowledge?
