In a recent interview with David Jackson, CEO of Shoosmiths, the spotlight is on innovation in the legal industry. David sheds light on what sets Shoosmiths apart from other law firms, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and technology. He also touches upon his new book, “Legal Practice in the Digital Age,” and shares key takeaways that emphasize the evolving role of lawyers in a world where people and technology intersect.
Bradley Collins: Hi David, it’s great to meet a law firm CEO that has a clear focus on innovation. I’d love to hear what makes Shoosmiths different to other law firms?
David Jackson: Thanks Bradley. I’m aware that innovation can sometimes come across as a nebulous term. Many firms say that they are ‘pro-innovation’, but, frankly, who would say otherwise? No one says: ‘we’re not really into innovation’ or ‘it’s not really our thing’. It’s clear that innovation can mean many things to many people. It can be big or small. Not every innovative change has to change the world. Aggregate change can be powerful too.
At a time of accelerated change, innovation and new ways of doing things aren’t a nice-to-have, but a must-have. Shoosmiths recognises this dynamic. Put simply, change isn’t the exception to the rule, it is the rule. While this sometimes makes life uncomfortable for all of us—after all, not having to change would be so much simpler—this would be going against the natural state of the universe. In the long run, it takes up far more energy to fight the incoming tide than to accept it.
Tech won’t replace the legal profession, but lawyers who use tech will replace those who don’t.
– David Jackson, CEO of Shoosmiths
The key for us is that we give people the space to innovate. We allow our people to be creative and use their imaginations (and, yes!, lawyers are allowed to do this). On a more practical level, we let them dedicate their time to non-fee earning work and attribute equal value to it. We recognise that not all proposals work, but are proud of the fact that when they do, with the help of the talented third parties we collaborate with, our clients really value them. This is why, for example, we’ve been recognised as a top firm for innovation in Europe by the Financial Times.
Bradley Collins: I’m still yet to get around to reading your new book ‘Legal Practice in the Digital Age’ unfortunately, although I’ll be ordering a copy very soon – are you able to share some of the key takeaways?
David Jackson: Put simply, every lawyer has a vital part to play in a legal profession where the focus is on people and tech, not people or tech. Much of the book explores the interplay between the two. It’s a call to arms to be smarter, faster and better at what we do. But to do so in a way which is also more thoughtful and kinder. More than ever before, people matter!
In particular, one thing which was great fun to do was to condense our thoughts into the ‘three laws of legal practice’. The first law?
Tech won’t replace the legal profession, but lawyers who use tech will replace those who don’t. The second: lawyers who act like robots will be replaced by robots. And the third—and this brings the first two laws together—lawyers who combine tech and emotional intelligence will thrive above all.
Bradley Collins: Finally, do you have any advice you can offer to other law firms that are early on in their digital transformation journeys?
David Jackson: Just start. Start somewhere and start small. If you’re new to digital transformation, the key is to be prudent before going all in. Get some wins under your belt too. Making your business wait for months or years for some massive, new tech solution means that key individuals in the business might soon lose interest. And losing their interest often means losing their support. As we say in the book, a drip feed of quick wins can help keep engagement at the required level.
And perhaps most of all, have fun! Marcel Proust, who studied law at the Sorbonne before he became a novelist, once said, after just two weeks of work experience in a firm: “in my most desperate moments, I have never conceived of anything more horrible than a law office”. I don’t know what happened to Proust to make him dislike the law so much, but we think that there’s never been such an exciting time to be in practice. Tech is going to transform what we do in ways that we can scarcely imagine now!
Here are 3 key takeaways:
1. Embrace Innovation as a Must-Have: In a rapidly changing legal landscape, view innovation as a necessity, not an option. Recognize that innovation comes in various forms, both big and small, and understand that it’s a fundamental rule rather than an exception.
2. Foster a Culture of Innovation: Create an environment that encourages creativity and imagination. Dedicate time to non-fee earning work and attribute equal value to it. Embrace innovative proposals and collaborations with third parties to deliver value to clients.
3. Focus on People and Technology: In the digital age, prioritize the interplay between people and technology in legal practice. Strive to be smarter, faster, and better while maintaining thoughtfulness and kindness. Remember that people matter more than ever, and adapt to the transformative power of technology.
