The Future is Now: How Tech Will Revolutionize Nigerian Law

The world is changing too fast. The legal profession in Nigeria seems to be slow in adapting to change, however, the future is now. At some point, whether we adapt or not, some things will change naturally.

AI, Technology, Politics, and social behaviors are changing fast, and with the change, some things will change in the legal profession in Nigeria.

There is a rising acceptance of AI by legal practitioners worldwide. However, Nigeria seems to be falling behind in comparison to its developed counterparts. Globally, law firms have started preparing themselves for the future of the legal industry by embracing cutting-edge technology. To do so, they have already begun incorporating AI software, including ROSS intelligence, TAR tool, Kira Systems, and Leverton, to streamline tasks that would otherwise be done manually.

Notably, law firms like Allen & Overy (through Fuse), Dentons (via Nextlaw labs), and Thomas Reuters (with their elite offerings) are making substantial investments in Legal Tech. These investments aim to implement automated work allocation, predictive data modelling, automated matter management, and expertise identification within their operations.

Here are five things that will become obsolete in the legal profession in 10 years.

1. Hard Copy Law Reports and Books:

Currently, more than 50% of lawyers use electronic law reports. Courtroom Mail reports that in 10 years, the generation we call Gen Z will flood the profession, and that will deal a significant blow to hard-copy books.

The good news about hard-copy books is that, in many years to come, they will assume the status of a vintage possession, like art, and people who still keep them will be seen as people of class. That will take more than 10 years, though. The factor that will keep hard copy law books and law reports alive for some time is the requirement for the award of SAN, which will encourage interested lawyers to keep buying books.

2. Hard copy Diary:

Diaries are integral in the life of lawyers in Nigeria, especially litigation lawyers. In 10 years, electronic diaries will take over hard copy diaries, and only a few lawyers will be left behind in the past, carrying hard copy diaries around.

3. The Lawyer’s briefcase:

That box we drag to court when we have a hearing, it will become obsolete in 10 years, Courtroom Mail states. The reason is obvious. As more lawyers embrace electronic law reports, books, and diaries, there will be no need to carry a briefcase to court. It will become utterly useless. The retention of wig and gown, and perhaps if the courts fail to execute proper e-filings, will be the only hope for the briefcase. It will be used to carry only a wig & gown, and files.

4. Small Claims Court:

 Activities in the small claims courts may reduce in the next 10 years, though the court may not become obsolete. It may be on its way to being obsolete in 10 years. According to Courtroom  Mail, the most effective way today of recovering a small debt is calling out the debtor on social media. This is popularly known as “dragging”.

It is more efficient than filing a case in court. Even lawyers explore this means. More people will prefer to call out debtors directly or through a social media influencer than go to court. Programs like Berekete TV are more trusted now than the courts. This will deal a blow to the small claims courts.

5. Conservatism in the profession will end:

The legal profession in Nigeria is conservative. The question now is whether it is still Conservative. If the answer is still yes, then, for how long will it remain conservative?

Social media is beginning to disrupt the cultural, social, and professional philosophy and ideology that seeks to promote and preserve traditional institutions, customs, and values in the legal profession.

In 10 years, the assault by Social media, cheap and free speech, will do more harm to that conservative tradition. Law Practice and lawyers will have the perception of showbiz and celebrities. It will be like showbiz.

The way the media will report law news will change and be more inclined to the ways celebrities and the movie industry are reported, Courtroom  Mail states.

6. Law Practice will become a side hustle for many lawyers.

Today, the Practice of law is a side hustle for many lawyers who work in organisations other than law firms, yet maintain a Practice of law. There is a second category of lawyers who run businesses unrelated to law and yet maintain a Practice of law on the side.

That Practice will catch up as law practice becomes increasingly less profitable for many lawyers. Courtroom Mail predicts that in 10 years, it will become normal for law Practice to become a side hustle. More than 50% of Lawyers will practice law from home or consult from an office used for a business other than a law office.

Overall, the truth of the matter is, AI has come to stay, and undoubtedly it will fiercely transform the entire field of knowledge. It becomes imperative on us as legal practitioners to step up our game to stay in trend with the development. 

See post: https://ilorinbizchronicle.com/e-commerce-business-seeing-through-the-legal-lens/