A law new is a legal concept that’s gaining traction in the industry. It describes companies, startups and law firm subsidiaries that augment traditional legal services by offering innovative solutions. The idea is to give clients a better pathway to their legal goals, by finding creative and efficient ways to solve those goals. It also involves partnering with other companies to create products that make legal services more accessible or more cost-effective.
For example, a law firm may now offer an app that allows a client to sign documents and receive updates. This could replace having to drive to a physical office for meetings or signing paperwork. It could also enable a client to use an online chat service to ask questions about the status of a case. Another example is a law firm that offers an online videoconferencing platform to allow a client to consult with a lawyer without travelling long distances. These types of innovations are transforming the way legal services are provided, and many law firms are adopting the term “law new” to describe them.
The legal field is constantly changing, and keeping up with the latest developments can be challenging for busy attorneys. New laws, regulatory changes and practice strategies arise all the time, and it’s important for lawyers to stay on top of these trends to avoid falling behind.
One way to do this is by using a research tool called a citator, which shows you subsequent cases that have cited the source you’re researching as well as whether it has any negative history (e.g., it’s been overruled, reversed, questioned or merely differentiated). For example, Westlaw’s citator, KeyCite, flags a case if it has any negative history and warns you that the case might no longer be good law.
Another tool is a law firm’s marketing strategy, which can help lawyers identify and respond to changing consumer demands. For example, a law firm might target consumers who have recently experienced a divorce or a loved one’s death and advertise its ability to help those clients navigate difficult legal processes. The goal of these campaigns is to generate more business for the firm and to distinguish it from competitors by its expertise in these areas.
Lastly, it’s critical for attorneys to recognize the ethical implications of their work. For example, if an attorney uses empirical evidence to support an argument in a case, the judge will expect the attorney to provide the data and methodologies used to obtain it. This is a requirement under ethical rules, which are designed to protect the integrity of the legal system and the profession.
New Yorkers can learn more about the state’s new laws and regulations by visiting the New York State Legislature’s Bills and Laws page or the NY Office of the Governor’s Pressroom. They can also find more information about new City laws and rules by visiting the DCWP website, New York City Council Legislation site or NYC Rules.