The legal world is undergoing one of the deepest transformations in its history. Technology leads this change, but it is far from the only force. As early as 1987, legal scholar Richard Susskind predicted a shift from bespoke legal advice to standardised, technology-driven services. At the time, the buzz was around “expert systems”; today, it is generative AI and large language models automating tasks, such as legal research, drafting and analysis, once reserved for human lawyers.
Susskind identified three engines of change: client pressure, liberalisation of legal markets and technological innovation. Together, they have redefined not just how legal services are delivered but who delivers them. Thus, some legal tasks are being “unbundled” or divided into discrete tasks. These unbundled tasks can now be carried out by whoever can do them most efficiently, whether a lawyer, a non-lawyer or a machine.
Still, professional regulation limits how far “unbundling” can go. In most countries, only qualified lawyers may represent clients or give legal advice. But beyond this monopoly, the boundaries are shifting fast. The main challenge for today’s lawyer is no longer defending the exclusivity of their services but offering added value in a market where technology, clients and competitors keep raising the bar.
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In this brave new world, business schools need not compete with law schools. Instead, they can serve as strategic partners in shaping the future of legal services. As the legal services market evolves, business schools can offer complementary expertise and interdisciplinary approaches.
Four concrete actions business schools can take
Business schools benefit from internationally recognised faculty across fields such as finance, technology management and organisational behaviour. Their strong industry connections ensure curricula remain aligned with market needs, and their global reach equips graduates for cross-border business environments. Moreover, business schools tend to be more agile and responsive to innovation than many law schools.
Here are ways they can capitalise on these key strengths.
1. Upskill legal professionals
As the legal profession faces increasing complexity and market pressure, lawyers will need skills that extend beyond traditional legal expertise. Business schools provide targeted training in negotiation, leadership, project management and artificial intelligence. These skills are essential for lawyers who lead teams, manage firms or advise clients in dynamic business environments. Executive education programmes tailored to experienced practitioners can further enhance managerial capabilities, including financial planning and service marketing. Integrating business acumen into legal practice can strengthen the profession’s capacity to adapt to evolving client expectations and demands.
2. Prepare business students for debundled tasks
The unbundling of legal services has created new career paths within business firms, such as in compliance, contract management, risk management and legal operations management. In response to this demand, business schools can develop specialised courses, certificate programmes and career tracks that equip students with the skills needed to operate effectively in these roles. To strengthen their educational offerings, business schools may benefit from partnering with professional organisations that provide internationally recognised certifications in those areas. Such collaborations can enhance the credibility of their programmes, align curricula with global professional standards, and improve students’ employability and career mobility.
3. Expand hybrid law and business programmes
The convergence of legal and business functions has led to a growing need for professionals with expertise in both domains. While joint degrees such as LLM/MBA programmes exist, they remain limited in availability and scope. Business schools have an opportunity to create interdisciplinary programmes at bachelor and master’s levels that integrate legal studies with business education. These hybrid degrees can prepare graduates for roles in corporate governance, regulatory affairs, legal consulting and strategic advisory services. By bridging the gap between law and business, such programmes respond to structural changes in the legal services market and support the development of professionals capable of navigating complex, cross-functional environments.
4. Supporting legal innovation and legal tech start-ups
Business schools can support legal start-ups and play a role in advancing legal innovation. As the legal sector embraces technology and alternative service models, entrepreneurial initiatives are challenging traditional delivery structures. Schools can foster this innovation by offering incubator programmes, venture support and training in business development, product design and legal tech. By creating environments where legal entrepreneurs can experiment, collaborate and scale new solutions, business schools contribute to the diversification and modernisation of legal services.
The legal profession is changing, and education must keep pace. Business schools have an opportunity to shape the future of legal services by providing the skills and knowledge the market demands now.
Maximiliano Marzetti is an associate professor of law in the department of international negotiation and conflict management at IESEG School of Management, France.
This article is based on the journal article “Shaping the future: the role of business schools in educating emerging hybrid legal professionals”, which was first published in the Revue Interdisciplinaire Droit et Organisations.
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