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17 July 2026
Issue: 8170 / Categories: Legal News , Legal services , Profession , Technology , Career focus
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NLJ this week: Lawyers must become product designers

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The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London

He argues advances in artificial intelligence, automation and digital platforms are transforming not just legal practice but the role of lawyers themselves. Routine legal work is increasingly automated, while clients now expect fast, platform-based services rather than traditional advisory relationships.

Mason predicts entry-level legal roles will diminish as lawyers focus on supervising technology and designing legal systems. Smaller firms, he says, must embrace digital delivery or rethink their business models. Legal education also needs radical reform, teaching students entrepreneurial thinking alongside legal doctrine.

As Mason puts it, 'the world of law is changing', and tomorrow's lawyers will need an entirely new mix of technical, strategic and commercial skills to succeed.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Eversheds Sutherland—Claire Petheram

Eversheds Sutherland—Claire Petheram

Eversheds Sutherland strengthens top-ranked pensions practice with appointment of former global head of pensions

mfg Solicitors—Hannah Finnegan

mfg Solicitors—Hannah Finnegan

Law firm strengthens private client team to support continued growth

Devonshires—Andrew Cromb

Devonshires—Andrew Cromb

Devonshires expands offering with appointment of tax partner Andrew Cromb

NEWS
Mr Justice Nicklin’s decision to order costs on an indemnity basis may be a ‘significant win’ but it’s still ‘far from game, set and match’ for Associated Newspapers, a former costs judge has said
The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
Can a meticulously maintained spreadsheet turn a couple’s informal financial arrangements into legally enforceable obligations? 
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