cancel

Three forces driving change in legal services

  

Modern concrete room with wood and lights

The legal profession is undergoing profound disruption as changes in supply and demandbusiness 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.

pdf

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.

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 stories: 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 labours becoming more like business partners, broadening responsibilities, 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

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 1: Supply and demand

Lisa Cabel, Partner and National Leader, Employment and Labour Law, KPMG Law in Canada, and Isabelle Durand, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, IA Financial Group, discuss shifts in supply and demand, and three dimensions where legal services are expanding, including; in-house labours becoming more like business partners, broadening responsibilities, 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 Lisa Cabel, Partner and National Leader, Employment and Labour Law, KPMG Law in Canada, and Isabelle Durand, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, IA Financial Group, discuss changing businesses models and value propositions, and how the legal department can demonstrate the value it brings to the organization.

Part 3: Workforce

The power that automation and technology can bring puts traditional business models and hourly rate fees under pressure. Watch Lisa Cabel, Partner and National Leader, Employment and Labour Law, KPMG Law in Canada, and Isabelle Durand, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, IA Financial Group, discuss changing businesses models and value propositions, and how the legal department can demonstrate the value it brings to the organization.

Part 1: Supply and demand

Philipp Glock, Head of Legal Corporate Services, KPMG Law in Germany, and Thomas Laubert, Head of Law, Patents and Compliance, Bayer, discuss shifts in supply and demand, and three dimensions where legal services are expanding, including; in-house labours becoming more like business partners, broadening responsibilities, 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 Philipp Glock, Head of Legal Corporate Services, KPMG Law in Germany, and Thomas Laubert, Head of Law, Patents and Compliance, Bayer, discuss changing businesses models and value propositions, and how the legal department can demonstrate the value it brings to the organization.

Part 3: Workforce

The power that automation and technology can bring puts traditional business models and hourly rate fees under pressure. Watch Philipp Glock, Head of Legal Corporate Services, KPMG Law in Germany, and Thomas Laubert, Head of Law, Patents and Compliance, Bayer discuss changing businesses models and value propositions, and how the legal department can demonstrate the value it brings to the organization.


pdf

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.

                                                          Related content


Our People

Stuart Fuller

Global Head of Legal Services

KPMG International


Connect with us

KPMG combines our multi-disciplinary approach with deep, practical industry knowledge to help clients meet challenges and respond to opportunities. Connect with our team to start the conversation.

Two colleagues having a chat