Adaptability, talent and technology: keys to the transformation of law firms

CUNEF Universidad held a new session of the cycle “Thursday Law at CUNEF Universidad”, which brought together prominent legal experts Jesús Remón, Senior Partner and President of Uría Menéndez, Eduardo García, Managing Partner at Clifford Chance, and Miguel Cases, Managing Partner at Cases & Lacambra, to discuss “The transformation of law firms”. The session, held in the Auditorium of the Almansa Campus, was chaired by Andrés Betancor, Director of the Department of Law at CUNEF Universidad.

The experts pointed out that, more than a revolution, the legal industry is undergoing an evolution in line with the technological, economic and social changes that are defining the new global context. This process requires integrating innovation and an international vision with the values that have traditionally defined the legal profession: ethics, excellence and the desire to serve.

As Andrés Betancor pointed out in his opening speech, “talking about transformation also involves talking about how to preserve the essence of the profession in a changing environment”. A reflection shared by the three guests, who agreed that the real challenge does not lie in replacing what we know, but in learning to apply our knowledge intelligently, humanely and practically.

Artificial Intelligence as an opportunity

One of the greatest drivers of change in the legal industry is technological adaptation, with Artificial Intelligence as the main disruptor. AI is a tool with enormous transformative potential, but it must be used as an ally to improve the efficiency and quality of legal services.

Regarding its implementation in the industry, the speakers stressed that solid and continuous legal training, combining technical knowledge and business acumen, is more necessary than ever. At the same time, they considered it key to preserve the essential characteristics of legal professionals, including trust, reputation and a commitment to quality, values that are driven by passion and built by investing in people.

Miguel Cases pointed out that it is vital to “be able to manage change, to understand the times that society, our peers and our clients are living in, and support them in the best way possible”.

Setting oneself apart in a globalised world

Another of the topics addressed was industry globalisation and the need to build a differential value proposition. In an increasingly interconnected and competitive market, law firms must define their identity and strengthen their culture to remain relevant.

Eduardo García stated that today’s lawyers must understand their clients’ global geopolitical and economic dynamics to offer truly useful and strategic advice. “Law firms must form teams with an international vision, capable of understanding business and anticipating challenges in different contexts.” In short, the ability to adapt with agility and anticipate new demands will be decisive for the future of the legal profession, which must maintain its service vocation and its commitment to quality.

Talent and training at the heart of the profession

Talent, defined as the engine that sustains the quality and continuity of firms, was another focal point of the session. Jesús Remón explained that key to any firm “are its people, which is why it is essential to instil passion, invest in the professional and human development of the members of the organisation and keep alive the desire to serve that gives meaning to our work”.

During the session, the speakers highlighted that continuous training, career planning and meritocracy are essential factors to attract and retain new generations of lawyers, who value professional excellence, flexibility and purpose. They also stressed the importance of knowing how to approach young professionals, understand their expectations and recognise that they are evolving at the same pace as clients, which requires firms and their work models to constantly adapt.

In his closing speech, Andrés Betancor stressed that Law “preserves all its value, but it must combine science and experience, technical knowledge and adaptability”. He underlined the role of the university in “training lawyers who are ready to face a changing environment without losing the passion for the profession or intellectual excellence”.

This seminar consolidates “Thursday Law at CUNEF Universidad” as a meeting space at the intersection between the academic and professional worlds, where experts analyse relevant current legal topics from a perspective that is rigorous, humanistic and open to change. The next session, “Is justice under threat?”, will be held on 30 October.