In 2024, a major challenge has become apparent in the legal profession, specifically among lawyers who specialise in technology.
Antonio Tejeda Encinas, CEO Europe, META Channel Corporation
The problem lies in these professionals’ tendency to focus predominantly on the practical applications of technology, setting aside or playing down the importance of understanding it as a field of knowledge in its own right.
This seemingly pragmatic approach to technology has led to a worrying situation: the risk of a superficial, limited command of the subject, in which the emphasis falls solely on using technological tools without a deep understanding of the principles and foundations behind them.
The danger inherent in this approach shows in the significant gap between merely using technology functionally and a holistic understanding of how it works. Lawyers who specialise in technology find themselves at a crossroads, with training geared mainly towards the practical application of existing tools and little deep immersion in the theoretical foundations underpinning those technologies.
This situation therefore confronts the technology lawyer with a barrier that can hinder their effectiveness and professional development: the lack of the comprehensive technical training needed for a thorough understanding of technology. This educational shortfall not only limits their ability to explore the theoretical foundations of technologies, but also restricts their capacity to anticipate future developments and adapt to emerging innovations in this dynamic field.
The contrast between legal practice and the constantly evolving nature of technology underlines the urgency of closing this educational gap. Specialising in this area of law requires not only practical skills and technical knowledge, but also a deep understanding of the principles and foundations underpinning a technology that never stops developing.
The challenge for these professionals is to integrate technical training effectively into their legal education. This means not only acquiring the skills to use existing tools, but also gaining a deeper understanding of the concepts that drive technological change.
The importance of this deep understanding is reflected in the technology lawyer’s ability not only to apply current technology effectively, but also to adapt to and anticipate future changes in a field as dynamic as technology. This adaptability becomes crucial to providing sound and relevant legal advice in a legal environment increasingly shaped by rapid technological change.
In short, specialising in technology law requires a balance between the practical application of existing technology and an in-depth understanding of its foundations. Bridging the educational gap between legal practice and technology not only makes the technology lawyer more effective but also ensures legal advice that is better informed, more relevant and better adapted to a constantly changing environment.
