LegalTech in education: Must or nice-to-have?
Digitization is fundamentally changing the legal industry. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and automated legal services are increasingly influencing the way legal work is done. Against this backdrop, the question arises as to whether the integration of legal technology (LegalTech) into legal education is essential or merely desirable. But how are universities and continuing education institutions in Switzerland currently preparing their students for this digital future?
The current state of LegalTech education in Switzerland
Although LegalTech is increasingly changing the practice of law, the integration of these topics into legal education in Switzerland has so far barely taken hold. There are only a few small courses and certificate programs at a handful of universities. One example is the CAS Legal Tech HWZ at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration. However, comparable programs are not yet widespread and so far, only reach a small group of students. This means that Switzerland is only just beginning to integrate LegalTech into legal education, which makes more comprehensive measures necessary to better prepare lawyers for the demands of digitalization.
International perspectives and student expectations
The international community has long recognized the relevance of LegalTech in education. In the US, around 50% of law schools already offer specialized courses on AI and LegalTech, and many more plan to integrate these topics more fully into their curricula (reported by the Financial Times). New York University (NYU), for example, offers targeted courses in this area.
A survey of law students in Germany (Digital Study 2021) also highlights student expectations: 87% of respondents call for more intensive coverage of LegalTech topics, while only 7% believe that these topics are already being given sufficient attention. These figures clearly show the desire for greater practical relevance and digital competence in legal education.
Opportunities of integrating LegalTech into legal education
The question of whether LegalTech is a “must” or a “nice-to-have” can be clearly answered with a view to career opportunities and the competitiveness of graduates: lawyers who are familiar with LegalTech are better able to meet the demands of the modern legal market. Their attractiveness to employers increases significantly. At the same time, LegalTech improves efficiency, reduces errors through automation and enables lawyers to focus on more complex and strategic tasks. In addition, dealing with technological topics promotes interdisciplinary thinking, which is a major advantage in today's working world.
Challenges in implementation
Although the advantages are clear, implementing LegalTech in education is not easy. Curricula need to be revised, and above all, lecturers need targeted training to be able to competently convey technological content. It is also important to ensure that all students have equal access to the necessary technological resources. In addition, there are important ethical and legal aspects, such as data protection and attorney-client confidentiality, that must also be adequately addressed.
Conclusion
In view of the increasing digitalization in the legal system, LegalTech is no longer a nice-to-have, but a must in legal education. Swiss universities and training institutions are faced with the challenge of modernizing their curricula and developing comprehensive solutions to existing challenges. Only in this way can they ensure that future lawyers are optimally prepared for the digital world of work and remain successful in the long term.
