With everything going digital, the legal landscape is also changing rapidly. We asked our senior law professors about the emerging law careers that they think will be most in demand in the digital era – and might be more lucrative for our BA LLB graduates. While their focus is mainly on technology-driven legal careers, there are some law jobs that are related to other factors influencing our world as we know it:

1. Cybersecurity

The Fortune Business Insights says that the global cybersecurity market is expected to reach $424.97 billion by 2030 – a 13.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023. Cyberattacks are increasingly becoming more sophisticated and more frequent. In this case, it’s natural that the demand for legal professionals specialising in cybersecurity is skyrocketing. 

Law jobs in the field involve advising clients on data protection regulations, incident response, and cybercrime prevention. Digital privacy is also demanding attention. Soon, more and more companies are going to need legal experts to help them comply with data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You might even end up working on some of the most challenging cases while protecting personal and national security.

2. Energy Law

The transition to renewable energy sources and the complexities of energy infrastructure projects create a growing need for energy lawyers. These legal careers in technology encompass advising on regulatory compliance, project development, and energy-related disputes.

Energy lawyers deal with the legal aspects of energy production, distribution, and regulation. This includes navigating the complexities of environmental laws, negotiating contracts for energy projects, and ensuring compliance with national and international regulations.

3. Legal Technologist

The intersection of law and technology has given birth to the role of legal technologists. If you choose to pursue legal careers in technology, you might find yourself developing and implementing innovative solutions that: 

• streamline legal processes, 
• do legal research, 
• enhance efficiency, 
• enhance data management within law firms, and 
• improve access to justice.

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is revolutionising various industries, and the legal field is no exception. Emerging law careers in AI focus on navigating the legal and ethical implications of AI technologies, such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, and liability concerns.

AI-driven law careers in the digital world include:

• Legal Consultants that advise on AI use within legal frameworks and ethics
• Ethics Specialists who can help clients navigate the ethical implications of AI technology in law
• Compliance Officers that ensure AI technologies comply with laws and regulations.
• and Intellectual Property Lawyers that protect AI innovations through intellectual property law
• Data Privacy Lawyers who manage data protection compliance in AI-driven processes
• Risk Management Lawyers who mitigate legal risks associated with AI deployments
• Litigation Specialists who handle legal disputes involving AI technologies and applications
• Contract Analysts who utilise AI tools for efficient contract analysis and drafting
• AI-Powered Legal Researchers who conduct legal research using AI-driven analysis tools
• Regulatory Advisors who guides compliance with emerging AI laws and regulations

5. Blockchain

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global blockchain market size is expected to grow from USD 17.57 billion in 2023 to USD 27.84 billion in 2024 – and to USD 825.93 billion by 2032. Blockchain technology, known for its role in cryptocurrencies, has far-reaching applications beyond finance.

Law careers in the digital world now include advising clients on smart contracts, tokenisation, and regulatory compliance in the blockchain space.

6. Cannabis

Not directly related to the digital world, the legalisation of cannabis in many jurisdictions has created a burgeoning market worldwide and a demand for legal experts in cannabis law. The technology-driven legal careers in this field involve advising on licensing, compliance, and intellectual property issues in the cannabis industry.

7. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

ADR methods, such as mediation and arbitration, are increasingly popular as cost-effective and efficient alternatives to traditional litigation. Law jobs in ADR require strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.

8. Automation

Automation is transforming legal practice, with tasks like document review and contract analysis being automated. Aspiring lawyers need to adapt by developing skills in areas like project management and legal technology to remain competitive in the job market.

9. Elder Law

The global elderly population is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050 (World Health Organization). As the population ages, the demand for elder law attorneys is growing. These emerging law careers involve assisting clients with estate planning, long-term care, and healthcare decision-making.

10. Intellectual Property Law

With the world moving to all things digital, protecting intellectual property is increasingly important. Intellectual property lawyers assist clients with securing patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret rights.

11. Information Technology Law

The field of information technology law is a diverse one, covering many aspects related to software, hardware, e-commerce, data privacy, and so forth. The demand for experts in this field will only rise as technology continues to develop.

Conclusion

The legal industry is at a fork in the road, and businesses that adapt to technology will be best suited for long-term success as we enter into this new age of technological advancement. The above-mentioned emerging law careers provide excellent opportunities for budding lawyers and law students to help change the legal scene, which is one of our goals. Stay curious, be adaptable and keep learning because that is how you can do well in these technology-encompassed legal careers.