Large-scale change in the legal profession is happening now. The effects of COVID-19 have accelerated the pace of change and will continue to do so, meaning lawyers must contend with new technologies, new competition and new ways of working. All of us have a vital part to play in a profession where the focus is on people and tech, not people or tech. This book is your go-to companion for the change that lies ahead.

Legal Practice in the Digital Age contains the hard-won insights lawyers and firms need to survive and thrive in the complex, post-pandemic age. It demonstrates how firms can embrace technological change, from taking a people-centric approach, to technology and innovation, to entrenching forward-thinking new mindsets into your firm’s DNA. This guide is filled with insightful case studies and practical tips to give your firm the edge it needs and make the changes necessary for future success. It covers a variety of subjects highly relevant to the future of legal practice, including:

How lawyers can be better at what they do day-to-day through the use of smart legal tech;
The new infrastructure, software and resources required for a hybrid world;
The growing importance of data and how to mine it; and
How to attract and retain talent in the increasingly dynamic legal industry.

Amid exclamations of the profession’s demise, this unique book shows why there is an exciting future ahead for the legal profession, and why lawyers and firms need to act now to get ahead of the pack. It is written for senior lawyers and decision makers within law firms and legal businesses, and in-house lawyers will also find the content useful. For lawyers and firms hoping to thrive in the digital age, this title is essential reading.

If you prefer to read unstuffy, accessible material about how to use digital resources in legal practice, then I recommend this new book from three people who engaged with what is possible, and are now sharing what they learned: Tony Randle, Paul Caddy and David Jackson.
You've got to love a book which begins with references to Douglas Adams and the shipping forecast.
Described as "a book of hope", it is deliberately upbeat and positive in tone, offering practical advice and insight on how digital resources can be used intelligently here and now, as well as considering the implications of digital transformation for the future of legal practice.
Nicola Jones
Athena Professional

Any smart solicitor will be quick to recognise [the book] as being the must have handbook for our time. The book focuses on how to thrive not simply struggle to survive; it is full of case studies, stories and very relevant and practical tips. Far from being a stuffy textbook, it is smart and innovative.
City Solicitor magazine
Summer 2023

This insightful guide dives deep into the necessities for lawyers and firms to adapt and flourish in the post-pandemic era. It's not just a book; it's a roadmap to embracing technological advancements while maintaining a people-centric approach. For anyone looking to thrive in the digital age, this book is a treasure trove of case studies and practical tips to edge out the competition and embed forward-thinking mindsets into your legal practices.
Dr Tunde Okewale MBE

Paul Caddy
Head of Insight, Shoosmiths
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-caddy-a4b66833/

Paul Caddy is Head of Insight at Shoosmiths, having previously practised as a commercial and data protection lawyer, with a particular focus on new technologies. Qualifying in 2000 at Veale Wasbrough Vizards, he has worked in private practice (Osborne Clarke and Laytons), in business and with leading legal publishers, such as LexisNexis (LexisPSL) and Thomson Reuters. Paul joined Shoosmiths in 2019.
Paul studied law, French and Spanish at UWE, Bristol and helped to develop Laytons’ international presence through membership of the International Bar Association. He is a prolific writer and, through thought leadership, is determined to help drive change in the legal sector, not only through the use of legaltech, but by focusing on the human side of legal practice too.

David Jackson
CEO, Shoosmiths
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jackson-16ab9b8/

David Jackson is the chief executive of Shoosmiths LLP and a specialist commercial, outsourcing and technology lawyer. Before taking on his current leadership role, David spent over 20 years in both private practice and in-house, supporting major corporates and multinationals on complex, high-value commercial agreements.
In particular, he led Shoosmiths’ leading Commercial Practice for over 10 years and helped to position the firm as a pioneer in the legaltech space, bringing to market several groundbreaking products including legal operations platform matters+ and AI-powered contract review tool Cia, as well as Shoosmiths’ award-winning connected services business, Shoosmiths8. Since 2022, David has led Shoosmiths as CEO and is responsible for delivering the firm’s strategy and driving operational excellence in the business to help serve its clients. In 2023, David was listed in The Lawyer Hot 100.

Tony Randle
Head of Client Strategy, Shoosmiths
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-randle-a2977a23/

Having practised law (corporate, project finance and commercial) over 35 years, Tony Randle has more experience than most of the ever-changing landscape of lawyering. During the last decade, he has focused on developing different ways of approaching legal service delivery, including new processes and legaltech solutions. As well as leading Shoosmiths’ connected services business, Shoosmiths8, he is also responsible for client strategy, ensuring that Shoosmiths is constantly evolving to meet client needs in the best ways.
Through conference appearances, articles and podcasts Tony is a prolific thought leader on legal innovation. He was listed in The Lawyer Hot 100 in 2022 and sits on various bodies seeking to promote the use and development of technology in the practice of law.