6 things that will become obsolete in Nigerian legal profession in 10 years- Number 4 threatens Lawyers

The world is changing too fast. The legal profession in Nigeria seems to be slow in adapting to change, however, at some point, whether we adapt or not, at some point, some things will change naturally.

AI, Technology, Politics , social behaviours are changing fast and with the change, some things will change in the legal profession in Nigeria.

Five things that will become obsolete in the legal profession in 10years

1. Hard Copy Law reports and Books:

Currently, more than 50% of lawyers now use electronic law reports. Courtroom Mail reports that in 10years, the generation we call Gen Z, will flood the profession and that will deal a ruthless blow to hard copy books.  The good news about hard copy books is that in many years to come, it will assume the status of a vintage possession like art and people who still keep them will be seen as people of class. That will take more than 10years though. The factor that will keep hard copy law books and law reports alive for sometime is the  requirement  for the award of SAN which will encourage interested lawyers to keep buying  books.

2. Hard copy Diary:

Diaries are integral in the life of lawyers in Nigeria,especially, litigation lawyers. In 10 years, electronic diaries will take over hard copy diaries and only few lawyers will be left behind in the past carrying hard copy diaries around.

3. The Lawyers briefcase:

That box we drag to court when we have hearing, It will become obsolete in 10years, Courtroom Mail states. The reason is obvious. As more lawyers embrace electronic law reports, books and diaries, there will be no need to carry that briefcase to court. It will become utterly useless. The retention of wig and gown and perhaps if the courts fail to execute proper e-filings will be the only hope for the briefcase. It will be used to carry only wig & gown , and files.

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4. Small Claims Court: Activities in the small claims courts may reduce in the next 10years though the court may not become obsolete. It may be on its way to being obsolete in 10years. According  to Courtroom  Mail, the most effective way today of recovering small debt is calling out the debtor on social media. This is popularly known as     “dragging”.

It is more efficient than filing a case in court. Even lawyers explore this means. More people will prefer to call out debtors directly or through a social media influencer than going to court. Programs like Berekete TV are more trusted now that the courts.This will deal a blow on the small claim courts.

5. Conservatism in the profession will end: The legal profession in Nigeria is conservative. The question now is whether it is still Conservative. If the answer is still yes, then , for how long more will it remain conservative. Social media is beginning to disrupt the cultural, social, and professional philosophy and ideology that seeks to promote and preserve traditional institutions, customs, and values in the legal profession.

In 10years, the assault by Social media, cheap and free speech will do more harm to that conservative tradition. Law Practice and lawyers will have the perception of showbiz and celebrities. It will be like showbiz.

The way the media will report law news will change and be more inclined to the ways celebrities and movie industry  is reported Courtroom  Mail states.

6. Law Practice will become a side hustle for many lawyers. Today, the Practice of law is a side hustle for many lawyers who work in organisations other than law firms yet maintain a Practice of law. There is a second category of lawyers who run businesses totally unrelated to law and yet maintain a Practice of law by the side. That Practice will catch up as law practice becomes increasingly less profitable for many lawyers. Courtroom Mail predicts that in 10years, it will become normal for law Practice to become a side hustle. More than 50% of Lawyers will Practice law from home or consult from an office used for another business other than law office.