The Teaching of Law Practice Management and Technology in Law Schools: A New Paradigm

The teaching of law practice management in law schools is becoming more critical for our profession. Employment with a traditional law firm used to provide the training and mentorship necessary to practice law. As a result of fewer employment prospects with traditional law firms, law students are now faced with the prospect of entering into law practice without this critical training and knowledge base soon after they become members of the bar. Additionally, the Internet and information technology is transforming the practice of law and, as a result, the management of law firms is also being transformed.

Lawyers must understand the benefits and risks of information technology in law practice in order to ethically and efficiently serve clients and to develop a productive legal career that allows them to compete in a changed legal marketplace. This article presents a survey of the practice management skills required of the 21st century lawyer and proposes new approaches to the teaching of this subject in law schools.