Three Forces Driving Change in Legal Services

The legal profession is undergoing profound disruption as changes in supply and demand, business models, and the workforce collide all at once. Technology is fuelling rapid change across all of these dimensions. New advances like generative artificial intelligence (genAI) are already transforming the legal profession — but their impacts are not yet fully realized or appreciated.

As KPMG International’s Head of Global Legal Services Stuart Fuller explains, the legal professionals who will thrive in the new reality are those who are curious, quick to adapt and embrace technology, and ready to invest in what it takes to transform their clients’ experience with the law.

Three forces driving change in Legal Services

This publication explores how changes in supply and demand, business models, and the workforce are having a profound impact on the legal profession.

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1. Disruptions in supply and demand in legal markets

The market’s demand for a broader and more flexible range of legal services has enabled a new wave of providers to join traditional law firms in the market. These new providers are growing and capturing an increasing share of the overall legal services market.

2. Shifting business models and value propositions

As technology takes on more basic or process-driven legal work, it will level the playing field among different providers. Clients will seek providers who can deliver quickly and efficiently, integrating technology with legal expertise.

3. Shifting attitudes toward legal careers

It is imperative for today’s legal leaders to embrace change. By doing so, they will steward a new generation of the profession that is well adapted, equipped and motivated to deliver legal services in the future.

Client story: Perspectives on the forces driving change in legal services

Part 1: Supply and demand

Nando Lappert, Head of Legal Operations, KPMG Law in Switzerland, and Stefan Sulzer, Group General Counsel of the Adecco Group, discuss shifts in supply and demand, and three dimensions where legal services are expanding, including; in-house laywers becoming more like business partners, broadening responsibilties, and legal departments now aiming to make their services part of the overall business offering.

Part 2: Business models

The power that automation and technology can bring puts traditional business models and hourly rate fees under pressure. Watch Stefan Sulzer, Group General Counsel of the Adecco Group, and Nando Lappert, Head of Legal Operations, KPMG Law in Switzerland, discuss changing businesses models and value propositions, and how the legal department can demonstrate the value it brings to the organization.

Part 3: Workforce

Attracting and retaining talent remains a key challenge for both business law firms and in house legal departments. In part 3, Stefan Sulzer, Group General Counsel of the Adecco Group, and Nando Lappert, Head of Legal Operations, KPMG Law in Switzerland, share perspectives on the attitudes of younger generations toward law careers, the changing skillsets that legal departments are seeking, and where technology can help bridge the legal talent gap.