When Law Education Adapts to the Post-Pandemic Reality

If nothing else, the pandemic has shown us that Law, as it is practiced and rendered, has evolved. We’ve learnt that the justice system can function remotely. In fact, several studies and surveys conducted across the world have concluded that the legal industry, on the whole, has managed to stay both productive and profitable throughout the pandemic. And most of that is because the legal systems – formerly famous for their dependence on heavy paper bundles and tedious in-person processes – have been quick to adapt to the restrictions of our times and have, quite astutely, adopted technology-based solutions at an unprecedented pace.

As the very face and function of the profession evolves, so does the way it is taught and learnt. Law schools across the world, responsible for creating and nurturing future litigators, have been quick to respond to the change, efficiently transitioning to online or at least hybrid methods of learning. However, one of the more impactful responses to our times was felt when law schools, realising the need to better prepare their students for an evolved legal profession, sought reforms to their curriculum. Many law schools have now developed very specific courses aimed at arming future lawyers, prosecutors and judges with skills to practice the law efficiently in the post-COVID era. Here are some of the most sought-after ones:

Stanford Law School

Stanford Law School’s Stanford CodeX programme, a free, online source, combines legal and technology expertise and focuses mainly on the automation and mechanisation of legal analysis.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

For the first time, MIT Professional Education (USA) and Esade (Europe) have partnered to deliver a 100% online Professional Certificate Program in Legal Tech in the Digital Era. It covers the six crucial concepts lawyers need to be aware of: Legal Tech, Legal Marketing, Key Account Management, Leadership and Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Cloud and DevOps.

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary has recently developed a new eLitigation course that seeks to introduce students to the practice of litigation in the era of physical distancing. It covers most aspects of the new normal, including digital filing, discovery and virtual hearings.

University of Law

The University of Law (UK) offers a Postgraduate Master’s degree in Legal Technology Online that allows non-law graduates the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of Legal Technology and how the legal landscape is being changed by technology.

The WB National University of Juridical Sciences

As the first of its kind, the NUJS in Kolkata partnered with Algo Legal, a technologically driven law firm to create an 8-week-long Legal Innovation and Technology course for third- to fifth-year students. The course covers a variety of concepts including data digitalisation, smart documentation, legal design thinking and culture of compliance.

University of Florida

The University of Florida’s Levin College of Law offers several courses that explore the effects on technology on the practice of law, including one on Artificial Intelligence, Technology and the Law which examines a broad range of legal and policy challenges posed by artificial intelligence, machine learning and other emergent technologies.