Skip to main content

Preparing for the Realities of the Legal Profession

April 20, 2016

The legal profession is undergoing an era of profound change, influenced by technology, new business structures, and globalization. New skills and tools are needed by graduates in order to succeed.

The legal profession is undergoing an era of profound change, influenced by technology, new business structures, globalization, and the high cost of justice. New skills and tools are needed by law school graduates in order to succeed. A legal education based exclusively on theory and legal principles is not enough to adapt to the practice of law in the 21st century. Both the CBA Legal Futures Initiative and the CBA Access to Justice Committee reports in the past few years have called for changes to legal education.

The Futures Report points out that, “Expert knowledge, skills and continuing training in the law will result in better services to clients, and maintain lawyers’ competitive advantage in the future, particularly in an environment where clients have greater access to information online and from other sources.” The report also recommends that law schools should provide students with the opportunity to participate in experiential activities and learn practical skills to best serve their clients in the future. We encourage all Penn Law students to take advantage of The Center on Professionalism’s programs, which prepare them for success as professionals in an evolving legal landscape.