Shaping Future Legal Careers in a Tech-Driven Landscape - Key Takeaways for Aspiring Lawyers

As technology continues to reshape professional services, the legal sector is undergoing rapid and lasting change. Recognising the importance of preparing future talent, SuperTech WM recently led a regional event exploring The Future of Legal Careers in a Tech-Driven Landscape, delivered in partnership with Shoosmiths and supported by Birmingham Law Society and Birmingham City University.

Bringing together around 70 students, practitioners and legal technology innovators, the event highlighted a defining message: Technology is not replacing lawyers — it is redefining what great lawyers do.

SuperTech’s mission is to connect industry, academia and emerging talent to ensure the West Midlands continues as a leader in legal and professional services innovation. This discussion showed just how important that mission is.

Technology in Law: What Students Really Need to Know

AI and digital tools are becoming part of everyday legal practice from document review and research to client onboarding and business development. Used well, they increase accuracy, speed and client satisfaction. Used poorly, they create risk.

The new expectation? Not “Do you use AI?” but “How do you use it responsibly?” The focus is no longer on whether future lawyers use technology, but on how effectively and thoughtfully they apply it in practice.

For students, this means developing a mindset that balances innovation with professional judgement. Using tools to refine research, test your ideas or structure ideas can be powerful but you must always apply your own judgement.

Firms aren’t looking for coders; they’re looking for those who show

• Curiosity

• Adaptability

• Critical Thinking and exercise independent thinking

• Awareness of risk and professionalism

Innovation Isn’t Just About AI - And It’s Not Just for Technologists

The discussion also challenged a common misconception: that innovation in law is synonymous with AI. In reality, the most impactful innovation happens at the intersection of people, process and technology. Innovation roles within law firms are often focused on delivery, not invention. They require transferable skills such as: problem solving, project management, communication, change leadership and stakeholder engagement.

For aspiring lawyers, these transferable skills have never been more important and they must look to build experiences where possible through part-time roles, group projects

and extracurricular activities.

Human Skills Are Becoming More Important, Not Less

Whilst routine tasks become increasingly automated it is important to remember that Legal services are fundamentally people‑centred. Clients don’t just want answers; they want trust, empathy and guidance.

The ability to explain ideas clearly, manage conversations with confidence and build strong relationships will continue to differentiate future legal professionals in an increasingly digital environment.

Preparing for the Future: Focus on What Matters

For those entering the profession, the challenge is not to understand every new tool – in fact, no one can, but to focus on where technology intersects with your career interests.

In summary, the key actions for aspiring lawyers are clear:

• Experiment with tools to understand both its strengths and its risks

• Develop commercial awareness by following how firms are evolving and responding to client needs

• Engage with industry networks and events to gain insight, build relationships and stay informed

• Reflect on your own experiences how do they highlight your own human skills such as communication, adaptability, emotional intelligence and the impact you can make to a team

• Stay curious and comfortable with change - The roles of 2030 aren’t fully defined yet but those with flexible mindsets will shape them.

A big thank‑you to Shoosmiths for hosting as part of the SuperTech LawTech Forum, and to Dr Alan Ma (Chair of Birmingham Law Society, author and lecturer at BCU) for chairing the panel, joined by:

• Samantha Hope, Senior Emerging Talent Manager, Shoosmiths

• Dee Kundi, CEO & Founder, Find Me A Solicitor

• Azeen Rashid, Chief Revenue Officer, Verify 365

• Ed Own, Real Estate Innovation Lead, Shoosmiths

• Georgina Rennie, Professional Support Lawyer, Shoosmiths