Technology transforms every profession, and the legal field is no exception. This new era of pervasive digital technologies in all areas of our lives requires new conversations about the intersection of technology and law. Those in technology roles should understand the state, national and domain laws that impact their work, and legal professionals must have expertise in technological tools and systems, which an online Master of Legal Studies program can provide.
In science, discovery and technology, we strive to understand the rules that govern our existence and the world around us to enhance human capabilities and lives. In law, we interpret, apply and build on the rules that govern our social reality. Technological advancements intersect with legal practices and processes in compelling ways, necessitating new legal frameworks.
Legal Technology’s Positive Impact Within the Profession
Technological advancement in the legal profession has produced tools that streamline workflows and help firms operate cost-effectively. Technology-driven law firms enjoy advantages in access to information, communication with clients about the daily progress of their cases and analytics to help optimize legal strategies.
Attorneys use software to automate fee collection and processing, reduce the need for manual data entry and human errors and provide greater transparency to clients. Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools reduce the need for administrative professionals by finding and filing paperwork and handling some phases of case research. In addition, blockchain technologies now enable secure contract delivery and signatures of sensitive documents.
Technology and Its Intersection With the Law
As technology evolves, legal professionals must grapple with its implications in various ways. Legal teams must work with technology companies from the outset of innovation to avoid major missteps. Here are a few examples found in the Northern Kentucky University (NKU) online Master of Legal Studies program curriculum:
Litigation risks: Technology companies face risks for producing devices that can be hacked, not protecting cloud software users with best cybersecurity practices, improperly using digital contracts and using algorithmic bias to prioritize specific populations (knowingly or not). Companies need to mitigate these risks by setting up pilot programs to develop guidance on technology use. Governments must also continue developing new laws and enforcement methods to protect the public.
The NKU online Master of Legal Studies program curriculum includes several courses that cover these issues, such as Emerging Technologies and the Law I & II, Digital Forensics and Law and Law for Digital Entrepreneurs.
Data breaches: Legal professionals must work with organizations to prevent sensitive data from being exposed to cyber criminals, which can lead to litigation and penalties from government regulators. Legal counsel is necessary for all companies using data to ensure adequate measures to protect data and planning for response to a breach. Government regulators are increasingly monitoring companies’ cybersecurity management practices and enforcement measures have been put into place by government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and state financial services departments.
The Digital Privacy and Security course explores the developing, complex web of national and international laws that govern data privacy and cybersecurity. More specifically, it examines the limitations of the existing legal framework. It also considers the policy implications of greater regulation of data collection over the Internet and the evolving Internet of Things.
FinTech: Technology is rapidly transforming how businesses and individuals conduct their financial dealings, from peer lending to digital wallets on online cryptocurrency exchanges. Bitcoin’s blockchain technology introduced the concept of distributing the storage of transaction histories, giving it the potential to revolutionize payment processing and trade settlements. All this innovation occurs in an environment where regulators and legal experts keep pace with systems of laws and enforcements to protect businesses and consumers.
The Digital Commerce and the Law course addresses these issues, including e-commerce common and regulatory law, emphasizing blockchain technology.
In many ways, the law bridges different disciplines, including technology, business and finance. Without strong legal institutions and knowledgeable legal professionals, companies could not innovate without facing insurmountable risks. Leading legal studies master’s degree programs like the NKU online Master of Legal Studies are helping to build and sustain this bridge to reduce the risks of innovation.
Learn more about NKU’s online Master of Legal Studies program.
