New Technologies and Professional Skills: Perspectives for Lawyers and Legal Education in Brazil

Technological advances have impacted different areas of society, changing the dynamics of work, education, economy, services, etc. Considering that the Brazilian legal area, in this context, has also undergone transformations, this article aims to analyze whether and how the incorporation of technologies by law firms generates the need for the development of different skills by legal professionals. Based on bibliographical-documentary research and interviews, this study discusses the results of research carried out from a survey applied to 400 law firms distributed in different regions of Brazil, as well as in-depth interviews carried out with representatives of institutions involved in the topic. Our thoughts are presented in this text, organized into three main sections: 1) research context; 2) technologies, new areas, and skills; 3) challenges for the legal training of present and future professionals. At the end, conclusions are presented.