In today's ever-evolving legal landscape, staying current with new developments in legal technology and innovation is crucial. Whether you're a student preparing for your future career, a lawyer seeking to enhance your practice, or simply someone interested in legal tech, this curated list of must-read books is for you.
Before diving into these essential reads, we recommend starting with Harry Surden's “ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Large Language Models, and Law” (2024). This article provides an accessible overview of AI's role in the legal field, explaining the workings of AI technologies and their evolution. It's available online for free and sets the stage for deeper exploration into legal tech.
1. The Cambridge Handbook of Lawyering in the Digital Age
Authors: Larry A. DiMatteo et al.
Published: 2021
This comprehensive handbook examines the changes in the legal profession through multiple perspectives, including practitioners, academics, and legal tech companies. It provides an unbiased approach to integrating technology into legal practice, balancing industry fears with the potential for creating client value.
2. AI For Lawyers: How Artificial Intelligence is Adding Value, Amplifying Expertise, and Transforming Careers
Authors: Noah Weisberg and Alexander Hudek
Published: 2021
Discover how AI can revolutionize your legal practice. This book is ideal for lawyers uneasy about AI's impact or looking to capitalize on its potential.
3. The Legal Team of The Future
Author: Adam Curphey
Published: 2022
A must-read for anyone involved in legal services, this book emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary teams and introduces a 'Law+' model, comprising sixteen essential skills across four key areas.
4. The Simple Guide to Legal Innovation
Author: Lucy Endel Bassili
Published: 2020
This book provides bite-sized lessons on legal innovation, helping lawyers stay updated with the latest trends and techniques to impress clients and stay competitive.
5. Digital Lawyering – Technology and Legal Practice in the 21st Century
Authors: Emma Jones, Francine Ryan, Ann Thanaraj, and Terry Wong
Published: 2022
An accessible introduction to digital lawyering, this textbook covers key topics like blockchain and digital evidence, supported by case studies and interactive activities.
6. Tech Enabled Lawyer: A Guide to Making the Most of the Tools You Have and Spotting the Tech You Need
Author: Fiona McLay
Published: 2023
This practical guide helps lawyers make the most of existing technology and find the right tools to enhance their practice, with specific use cases for various legal fields.
7. Law Prompts: Large Language Models for Lawyers
Author: John D. Goodhue
Published: 2023
Explore the transformative power of large language models in legal practice with this guide, offering practical advice for integrating AI into your legal work.
8. Mapping Legal Innovation
Authors: Antoine Masson and Gavin Robinson
Published: 2021
This book analyzes the concept and lifecycle of legal innovations, providing insights from lawyers and creative specialists on leveraging law as a source of creativity and collaboration.
9. Legal Tech and the Future of Civil Justice
Author: David Freeman Engstrom
Published: 2023
This volume examines the impact of new digital technologies on litigation and access to justice, providing grounded advice for navigating the rapidly digitizing legal system. Available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
10. Tomorrow’s Lawyers – An Introduction to Your Future
Author: Richard Susskind
Published: 2023
A classic in its third edition, this book predicts the future of legal services and challenges the traditional view of law, urging the next generation of lawyers to embrace technological advancements.
Stay ahead in the legal profession by exploring these insightful reads. Whether you're looking to enhance your practice or simply stay informed, these books will provide valuable knowledge and perspectives on the intersection of law and technology.