12 February 2025
roadmap
Legal practice evolving: from solving legal issues to driving business success
In the span of our 75-year history, we have witnessed the legal profession transform in ways that were once unimaginable. Innovation is no longer a buzzword but a necessity in the legal sector. The practice of law has evolved from traditional, paper-based methods to a dynamic, technology-driven field that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. Where firms once focused almost exclusively on legal skills, today's successful practices leverage cutting-edge technology, embrace the power of multidisciplinary teams, and cultivate human skills, as these remain crucial in distinguishing outstanding attorneys.
Emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, leadership, ethical standards and adaptability are all essential attributes that technology cannot replicate. As the leading law firm in Central and Eastern Europe, our curiosity and our proactive, forward-thinking approach have enabled us to not only adapt to these changes but to lead the way in redefining legal advice and the very essence of working in this industry.
Legal practice is undergoing a major cultural shift, as the demands of modern clients require us to think beyond conventional legal solutions. Today's clients seek a business partner in their legal advisor, one who can address "everything". A law firm is no longer there to merely answer specific legal questions but to pave the way legally and support clients in achieving their business goals.
Schoenherr partner and COO Gudrun Stangl and Thomas Kulnigg, partner and co-head of the ip & technology practice, discuss the evolution of legal practice.
To address this shift in client demands, we have embraced a culture of innovation that permeates every aspect of our firm. This includes deploying top-notch legal tech solutions, developing our own, bespoke solutions, adopting agile methodologies in project management, and fostering an environment where creative ideas are encouraged and implemented. By challenging the status quo, we have been able to offer more effective and efficient services, setting us apart from competitors. The toolkit at our disposal has revolutionised how we deliver legal services. Anticipating legal trends allows us to advise clients on potential regulatory changes before they occur, giving them a strategic edge over their competitors.
Digitalisation and its impact
Digitalisation has been a transformative force in the legal industry. The shift to digital databases has made information more accessible and secure. We have implemented robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive client data, recognising that trust is paramount in our profession.
Moreover, the digitalisation of legal processes has opened new avenues for service delivery. We have adapted to these changes by equipping our teams with the necessary skills and technologies to operate effectively in a digital environment.
Gudrun Stangl
Furthermore, we have invested in legal design thinking, which focuses on making legal processes more user-friendly and accessible. By simplifying complex legal jargon and presenting information in clear, visual formats, we enhance client understanding and engagement.
Enhanced business support
Strategic, future-oriented legal service delivery relies on the whole machinery of a law firm to work in perfect harmony, bringing together the vast experience Schoenherr has to offer. Accordingly, the role of support functions within law firms has evolved significantly. Beyond traditional administrative tasks, our business professional teams now play a crucial strategic role in servicing our clients seamlessly.
Close collaboration and innovative processes in handling mandates are key to making this happen. Success depends on the expertise of both legal and non-legal professionals across the firm. Our legal tech & innovation department collaborates closely with our legal teams on projects like document automation, as well as with other departments such as HR, corporate communications & business development and IT to ensure we remain at the forefront of the industry.
Thomas Kulnigg
How can a law firm keep up with this pace and prepare for the future?
The evolution of legal practice is a journey of continuous improvement and adaptation. By embracing innovation, harnessing advanced tools, leveraging digitalisation and relying on the strategic support of our business professional teams, we have not only kept pace with the changing landscape but have actively shaped it. Our commitment to evolving is rooted in our desire to provide exceptional legal services and to redefine what it means to work in a law firm.
As we look ahead, we push boundaries, setting new standards and leading the way in the legal industry. Our evolution is not just about staying relevant; it's about pioneering the future of legal practice for the benefit of our clients, our people and the broader community.
We understand that the only constant is change, and by staying true to our values, we continue evolving. We invite our clients and partners to join us on this journey as we shape the future of law together, building on our rich heritage to create a more innovative, efficient and accessible legal landscape.
authors: Gudrun Stangl, Thomas Kulnigg
Gudrun
Stangl
Partner, Chief Operating Officer
austria vienna