The legal profession could witness changes since there is anticipated arrival of foreign law firms and adoption of AI. Accordingly, the old guard is going for a makeover — corporatization and professionalization.
Manpower working in law firms was drawn mainly from the legal profession. There is entry of multi-disciplinary professionals now — HR people, accountants and CAs, IT and computers guys. Non-lawyers are being hired into top corporate roles. The policy followed is to make the way for right people at the right time. There should be adaptation to digital transformation. Digital and information officers are being roped in. It improves client service delivery.
Professionals bring in value add-on.
We can easily spot CAs and MBAs of the leading institutes. The firms so far were mom and pop shops. They are becoming one stop shops for integrated legal solutions. Non-lawyers are being recruited. There is restructuring of organization structure.
Into the Board, they are inducting next generation partners. There are COOs or Chief Operating Officers to enhance operational practices across finance, HR, administration and legal services. Each service is headed by professionals.
Some firms appoint Chief Revenue Officer who oversees business strategy, financial management and organizational governance.
Traditionally, non-lawyers occupied support functions. These days they wear leadership hats.
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