The Law Society of New South Wales established the Future Committee in 2016 and, in turn, the Future of Law and Innovation in the Profession (FLIP) Commission of Inquiry. The purpose of the Inquiry was to better understand the changes taking place in and around the legal profession and provide recommendations that will enable lawyers to better accommodate new concepts and ideas, and adapt to changes that are taking place now and in the future. To the extent possible, the report also looks over the horizon in an effort to gauge what might lie ahead.

Report on the commission of inquiry into the Future of Law and Innovation in the Profession

The Law Society established a commission of inquiry to:

• identify and understand the changes currently affecting the profession,
• inform solicitors and to gather data for use in future policy, and
• place itself at the centre of change, so as to help the profession develop the leadership required to respond to the challenges ahead.

How did the commission work?

The Commission of Inquiry heard from:

• more than 100 individuals on eight different topics in commission sessions;
• a further 10 individuals from various sectors of the profession;
• the Law Society's Regional Presidents; and
• the Law Society's Legal Technology Committee

The Commission of Inquiry Hearings

• Drivers of change: clients' needs and expectations
• Drivers of change: technology
• New ways of working
• Legal education, information systems and training
• Community needs, courts and funding
• Diversity, new processes and managing change
• Globalisation
• Regulation