On my first day as a junior lawyer, my mentor shared a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me the rest of my career: “Even if you’re sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig.” Her words underscored a fundamental truth—success in the legal profession demands continuous effort and adaptability.

Today, lawyers face unprecedented challenges: artificial intelligence (AI) transforming legal research, shifting regulatory landscapes, and clients demanding faster, more cost-effective services. To remain relevant, legal professionals must embrace lifelong learning and cultivate learning agility—the ability to rapidly acquire, discard, and relearn skills in response to change.

The Necessity of Lifelong Learning in Law

For lawyers, Lifelong learning is not optional—it’s a survival skill. While legal principles are rooted in precedent, their application evolves with technology, society, and business needs.

Consider the rise of AI-driven legal tools like Harvey AI (adopted by firms such as Allen & Overy) or legal analytics platforms such as Lex Machina. Lawyers who master these tools can conduct research in minutes rather than hours, giving them a competitive edge. However, the challenges posed by technology is just one factor.

Soft skills—empathy, negotiation, crisis management—are equally critical in today’s world. A 2023 McKinsey report¹ found that 70% of corporate clients now prioritise lawyers who understand their industry’s commercial realities, not just legal theory.

Learning Agility: Adapting to a Dynamic Profession

Learning agility is what allows lawyers to pivot when traditional methods become obsolete. A prime example is due diligence. A decade ago, lawyers relied on static checklists. Today, AI-powered platforms like Kira Systems dynamically adjust queries based on real-time data. This means that lawyers need to go beyond the tedium of traditional due diligence to higher-value thinking to optimise their approach.

This adaptability extends to emerging legal fields. According to a 2024 report by the World Economic Forum², new jobs in AI oversight, legal tech, and data privacy compliance are growing 25% faster than traditional legal roles. Lawyers who upskill themselves in these areas—such as understanding GDPR or cybersecurity law—position themselves for long-term success.

Practical Strategies for Busy Lawyers

Many lawyers struggle to balance learning with heavy workloads. However, structured approaches can make continuous improvement feasible. One just needs to be wise and strategic in how to spend one’s time in continuous professional development.

Recognising the need for structured upskilling, SAL has developed the Legal Industry Framework for Training and Education (LIFTED). This initiative outlines the knowledge and skills needed for legal professionals in various job roles, such as business acumen and digital fluency, to help them identify suitable training courses for professional development.

Here are some other suggestions to help you get started on the path of lifelong learning:

1. Commit to Structured Learning
   The Singapore Academy of Law’s (SAL) Training Pledge encourages firms to allocate time for professional development. Consider signing the pledge to send a strong signal to yourself and to others about your commitment to staying updated and competitive.
2. Set Clear, Measurable Goals
   Use LIFTED to identify what career paths you intend to take and identify your skill gaps. Then focus on concrete steps to plug those gaps—whether in contract automation or client communication—and track progress.
3. Leverage Technology for Microlearning
   Platforms like Linkedin Learning and Coursera’s legal courses offer bite-sized lessons on niche topics, from blockchain contracts to cross-border dispute resolution.
4. Learn Informally Through Networks
   Discussions with colleagues, LinkedIn legal groups, and industry training events (such as those conducted by Law Society and SAL) provide real-world insights beyond textbooks.
5. Integrate Learning into Daily Work
   Allocate 30 minutes daily to reading legal developments consolidated in Singapore Law Watch or publications offered at Academy Publishing, listening to legal podcasts (like The Lawfare Podcast), or experimenting with new legal tech tools.

Conclusion: The Future Belongs to Agile Learners

The legal profession is no longer just about following and leveraging precedents—it’s about adaptation. Lawyers who commit to lifelong learning and embrace agility will thrive, while those relying solely on past knowledge risk obsolescence.

By taking the SAL Training Pledge, leveraging initiatives like LIFTED, and staying curious, legal professionals can future-proof their careers. As my mentor reminded me, success isn’t about what you already know—it’s about your willingness to keep digging.

(Explore SAL’s LIFTED resources at https://sal.org.sg/learn/lifted/.)

 

¹https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/business%20functions/people%20and%20organizational%20performance/our%20insights/the%20state%20of%20organizations%202023/the-state-of-organizations-2023.pdf

²https://www.weforum.org/publications/realizing-the-potential-of-global-digital-jobs/