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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

DAC Beachcroft—Clare Dewar

DAC Beachcroft—Clare Dewar

DAC Beachcroft strengthens Scottish real estate capabilitywith partner appointment

Womble Bond Dickinson—Brendan Ryan

Womble Bond Dickinson—Brendan Ryan

Womble Bond Dickinson appoints Brendan Ryan as partner in Public Law Projects team

Parklane Plowden Chambers—five appointments

Parklane Plowden Chambers—five appointments

Parklane Plowden Chambers welcomes five new barristers

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Police powers targeting concealed identities at protests come with procedural conditions that could determine whether prosecutions succeed
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