Digital inversion of legal professionals: the functions of solicitors and barristers in the context of algorithmization of law

Introduction. The article examines the transformation of legal behavior within the digital environment and its impact on the professional activities of advocates and corporate lawyers. The relevance of the study is driven by the rapid digitalization of social relations, the implementation of Legal tech and Lawtech, and the necessity for legal professions to adapt to new requirements.

Purpose. The study aims to analyze changes in the roles and competencies of lawyers, identify key challenges of the digital age, and assess the prospects for the evolution of the profession using international experience (solicitors and barristers) as an example. Establish the adaptation of traditional requirements of professional ethics and standards, as well as historically established judicial institutions, to digitalization.

Theoretical foundations. The research employs the comparative legal and historical methods, as well as a systematic analysis of legal norms, law enforcement, and judicial practice. These methods are used to examine the terminological features of the concepts of «legal technology» (Legal Tech), «law technology» (Lawtech), «common law,» and «Anglo-Saxon law.» The methodological significance of differentiating these definitions is explained. A chronological assessment is conducted of the impact of legal reforms and technological advances in this area, including the introduction of generative artificial intelligence, on the legal profession.

Results. The scientific inquiry is directed at identifying key trends in the formation of legal behavior in the digital environment, specifically regarding the automation of routine processes, the transition to proactive legal consulting, and the increasing role of data and algorithms in decision-making. The author evaluates forecasts for the development of new legal competencies, including digital literacy, understanding AI and cyber-risk management skills. Challenges of the digital age are examined, such as personal data protection, ethical issues in the use of neural networks, and competition with automated systems. Using the institutions of solicitors and barristers as examples, the article demonstrates an inversion of professional interaction associated with the redistribution of functions between different types of lawyers under the influence of informatization.

Conclusions. The conducted research is aimed at forecasting the evolution of the legal profession in the context of technological development, and developing a strategy for improving legal mechanisms for regulating the processes of modern innovative pressure. Particular attention is given to the challenges of maintaining ethical norms and adhering to professional standards during electronic data processing. The conclusion substantiates the anthropocentric spirit of justice.

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