Several drivers of change are influencing how law itself, the practice of law, and the business of law operate. These include information and communications technology (particularly so-called ‘artificial intelligence’) globalisation, the rise of in-house lawyering, outsourcing, off-shoring, equality, inclusion and diversity issues, and environmental, social and governance challenges. The law, the courts, and the legal services industry are under greater pressure than ever before to adapt to the new possibilities that technology affords.

 

This programme takes all of this into account and focuses on ‘lawtech’: the uses of technology for legal practice – from basic tools like word processors and spreadsheets to sophisticated ‘artificial intelligence’ applications that some claim will replace lawyers and judges.

 

This LLM addresses the changes faced by the legal industry, beyond simple digitalisation or automation – converting existing paper-based processes to electronic or digital processes; to reach innovation or transformation – re-thinking these processes entirely or creating new approaches to old problems or challenges, often relying on technology. It will provide graduates with a set of future-proofed skills (including hands-on app building and data analytics), the ability to assess lawtech, understand its workings and scan the future for the changes may be in store for the legal industry.