What does 2024 have in store?

With various legal reforms and developments, 2024 is already shaping up to be a busy year, but it isn't just those that we need to consider. How will technology, careers and personal development all look as we make our way through the year?

The shape and growth of the profession is likely to change, with a new wave of trainees and paralegals but what about those already working? Retention of professionals at various stages of their career seem to be a cause for concern. How then do we best future proof our profession, so that those who want to stay in it, can?

"Recruitment and retention continues to be a challenge for
in-house employers and for our firms"

Paul Mosson, the Law Society of Scotland's Executive Director of Member Services and Engagement, said: “Private practice solicitor firms in Scotland have taken on their second highest number of trainees in 2023, a sign of the sector’s ongoing strength and resilience. Recruitment and retention continues to be a challenge for in-house employers and for our firms, whether they be small but vital firms on the high street and rural areas or large city-based firms. Competing for talent is expected to remain tough in 2024 as the sector grows, especially our in-house sector, which has increased consistently for many years. But whether our members are working in-house or in private practice, all are asking questions about AI and how it can be harnessed to support their work.”

Diversity and inclusion

Naomi Pryde, Partner and Location Head – Litigation and Regulatory at DLA Piper, is excited to see the profession become even more diverse and inclusive, and representative of the society it serves.

“My prediction for 2024 (and beyond!) is that the legal profession will become even more accessible and, as a result, even more diverse and inclusive. The last few years have seen the creation of the Lawscot Foundation (and the Faculty has a similar fund), several groups and organisations such as ‘Look Up and Beyond’, Diversity+ and Disabling Barriers Scotland, which all support and encourage diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The Law Society of Scotland has been doing a lot of work on Legal Apprenticeships in Scotland to improve accessibility. Firms have started to become more inclusive, setting up networks to help support their people and signing up to initiatives such as the Mindful Business Charter. The Society’s recent Profile of the Profession showed that, although there is still a lot of work to be done, we are heading in the right direction. I have always said that the legal profession should be representative of the society it serves and it’s great to see that we are on the way to that becoming a reality.”

The future of AI

It’s impossible to have a predictions piece without mentioning artificial intelligence (AI). AI has been growing in use and as a point of conversation over the last few years, especially in 2023. While other industries are already embracing it fully (alongside the natural constraints of AI and technology, and mindful of the limitations and risks), there are mixed feelings about its value, place and future within our profession. However, one key comment has always been that if AI and/or technology can make day-to-day tasks more efficient, and free lawyers up to do more law, then why not?

"AI will, unfortunately, continue to be a hot, and over-hyped, topic"

Brian Inkster, Founder and CEO of Inksters, sees the discussions on AI continuing well into 2024. He says: “AI will, unfortunately, continue to be a hot, and over-hyped, topic in the world of legal tech in 2024. Rather than being distracted by shiny new toys, lawyers would be better off concentrating on the technology they currently have and are probably grossly underutilising.”

However, David Ross, Energy Property Partner at Pinsent Masons, thinks AI may help the profession, and suggests we should all be open to exploring it.

“My prediction for the legal profession in 2024 would be the increased influence of both energy and AI. With energy, we will see more progress on large-scale renewables projects (such as the offshore ScotWind projects and also the development of new onshore wind, solar, battery, hydrogen and district heating projects) as well as individual and commercial customers looking for ways to secure their energy supply, either by having their own renewables projects or by signing agreements with renewables developers to secure fixed energy prices.

"2024 will undoubtedly be a year in which we investigate
how AI can help to make the legal profession
work better for everyone"

"On AI, the key for the legal profession in 2024 will be to explore AI’s possibilities and, more importantly, its limitations. At Pinsent Masons, AI is already assisting us with: reviewing and reporting on documents; research; automated document production; and even the preparation of detailed meeting notes. While AI won’t be replacing the skill and experience of the legal profession in the near future, 2024 will undoubtedly be a year in which we investigate how AI can help to make the legal profession work better for everyone.”

So what are your 2024 predictions? Do you agree with Naomi, Paul, Brian and David or do you have different views?

Get in touch by email at rebecca.morgan@thinkpublishing.co.uk

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