Despite the fact that the legal industry is still in the throes of the Great Recession, many lawyers are starting to concede that the legal world is changing. Whether it’s the influx of startups and in-house departments or an increasing number of lawyers who aren’t comfortable with the old dispensation, it’s clear that the legal industry is being reshaped. And, it’s not surprising, given the fast-paced multijurisdictional world of enterprise that is now demanding professionals who aren’t just familiar with the rules, but have an understanding of how to meet customer needs.
Among the ways that law firms are changing is by leveraging the ‘business of law.’ This is the term that essentially means that companies are taking advantage of their expertise and knowledge to develop and promote new products and services that will benefit their customers. These companies have already created a number of innovative options for clients, including a program that helps tenants in Housing Court access free legal representation. But these programs are only a small part of the ways that law firms are changing.
Innovation has become a buzzword in the world of law. Those who practice in this field are often referred to as ‘law innovators’. Using a variety of techniques and technologies, these innovators are reshaping the way that lawyers provide legal services, and also providing an avenue for those who are seeking legal help.
Several examples of legal innovators can be found at the University of South Carolina School of Law. A number of faculty members are working to develop the rule of law in developing countries, and they are extending their work to post-conflict countries. In addition, the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice will expand its clinical and publishing activities at the school.
The Rule of Law Collaborative is an organization that provides legal assistance in developing countries. It’s directed by Joel H. Samuels, who is a professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law. He is also the director of the University’s Institute for Health Care Delivery Systems. Besides assisting the rule of law in developing nations, the Center will provide support to sheriffs in the U.S.
Another example of legal innovation is the Jacobson Leadership Program in Law and Business at the New York University School of Law. Taking advantage of the school’s location in the financial center of the world, the program places students in the forefront of convergence.
Other innovative efforts at the University of South Carolina School of Law include the Children’s Law Center, which is focused on ensuring the safety of children. Also, the Veterans Legal Clinic will be opening on July 2. Finally, a number of other organizations are also advancing legal innovation. For example, the Intellectual Property Law Blog covers breaking news and legislative developments, and it also covers personnel moves and changes in law school clubs.
Among the law school’s most innovative journals is the New York University Journal of Law & Business. This is one of the most active and reputable academic journals at the school, and it explores current issues and challenges, as well as the potential impact of new technologies on the practice of law.