The Truth about Legal Industry Trends and What the Future Holds | The Communication Blog

Saturday, March 17, 2012

The Truth about Legal Industry Trends and What the Future Holds

By Ed Hulse


Many changes in the economy are recognized as having a great impact on legal industry trends and what the future holds for the esteemed profession. Many barristers are worried about the amount of money they can continue getting from their work.

One very important aspect is the effect recession has on the profession. Many attorneys have been badly affected by the economic downturns. While there is the desire to make financial break through during difficult times, it has been realized that this is perhaps a bit impossible given that the public is hard pressed.

Views form clients have also been quite intriguing. The general feeling is that barristers concentrate more on fees than quality services. The truth in such opinions is still a mater for debate. The other finding that is of considerable significance is that the syllabus in most institutions is ill equipped for the market.

Students in law schools generally express the opinion that they are not well prepared for business. The question that arises therefore is whether business skills should be part of legal training. Many lawyers are however registering for business studies in order to run their firms well.

Since it has become rather difficult to operate as in the past, barristers now find it necessary to use social networking tools to link up with clients. Ordinarily, advertisements in the print media gave adequate exposure. But lawyers have realized they have to invest in online technology such as twitter, face book, linked in and YouTube. A virtual office can also be set up if one acquires telephones with suitable applications. These accord the opportunity to operate from homes and cut down on expenses incurred while hiring premises.

Other strategies being adapted are outsourcing of work to overseas companies. This gives access to diverse clients and can fill the gap created by unavailability of work locally. Billing methods have also registered significant shifts. Most barristers are now charging for services on hourly rates rather than asking for fixed payments so as to continue getting profits.




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