How does a profession prepare for the future when many of its biggest challenges are shared?

For Deputy Attorney-General (“DAG”) Valerie Thean, that question was one of the motivations behind the Legal Profession Symposium (the “Symposium”). Challenges such as global competitiveness, technological disruption and talent sustainability are not confined to any one part of the profession. They call for a collective response.

The Symposium was therefore conceived as a forum for voices across the legal community to exchange perspectives, contribute ideas and work towards practical solutions.

“What really stood out to me was how many ideas people have and how enthused the profession was about joint solutioning,” DAG Thean said of last year’s Symposium.

An Inflection Point for the Profession

The response reflected a broader recognition that the profession is navigating what DAG Thean describes as “an inflection point of sorts”.

Artificial intelligence may be the most visible example of change, but it is far from the only one. Competition is increasingly global, creating pressures for both international firms and domestic practices. Firms must continue to identify where they can create value in an evolving legal landscape.

Questions about talent and sustainability have come into sharper focus, including whether younger lawyers continue to see law as a profession in which they can thrive.

“The profession has to be attractive to young people nowadays, whether you’re in consulting, the law or any profession.”

These issues are closely connected. Competitiveness, technology, talent and professional fulfilment often overlap, and affect different generations in different ways.

That is why, for DAG Thean, the response cannot come from any one segment of the profession alone.

“We need conversations between the generations, and we need joint solutioning.”

 

From Conversation to Collective Action

The Symposium was not intended simply to identify problems. It was designed to help the profession move from discussion to practical, collective responses.

Since last year’s Symposium, efforts have continued on several fronts, from initiatives relating to sustainability within the profession to work aimed at better understanding career satisfaction and sustainability among legal professionals. Focus groups have also been organised to surface matters requiring further attention.

The Hackathon for a Better World: Future-Proofing the Legal Profession forms part of that continuing effort.

More broadly, it reflects DAG Thean’s belief that periods of change should not be viewed solely through the lens of disruption.

“These big changes in the legal profession actually create new opportunities. They are not just difficulties.”

New technologies, evolving client expectations and changing business models will reshape aspects of legal practice. At the same time, they may create opportunities for innovation, new services and new ways of delivering value.

Grounded in Purpose

For DAG Thean, future-proofing the profession is not about predicting every change that lies ahead. Rather, it is about ensuring that the profession can address major issues thoughtfully and collectively, while remaining grounded in the values that have long defined it.

Integrity, professionalism and justice continue to underpin the profession’s role in society. Whether advising businesses, resolving disputes, supporting government decision-making or facilitating international engagement, lawyers play an important role in enabling society to function effectively and upholding the rule of law.

Seen in that light, she views the future of the profession not only as one of change, but also one of continuing purpose.

“The future of the legal profession is a good one. And it’s a meaningful one.”

The challenges facing the profession may be shared, but so too is its capacity to respond. For DAG Thean, the Symposium is one way for the profession to do so — by bringing members together to move from reflection to action, and to shape the next chapter collectively.

“The Symposium is an opportunity for the profession to take ownership of its future together. I hope members, and especially younger lawyers, will continue to lend their voices, ideas and perspectives to that effort.”