More tech-savvy lawyers needed in mainland china’s bustling lawtech landscape

As lawtech –– otherwise known as technology that aims replaces traditional legal services –– increasingly becomes a norm in Mainland China, tech-savvy and experienced legal professionals have therefore become important assets in the development of online applications and tools, according to recruitment experts Hays.

“Dubbed as a legal trailblazer, Mainland China has seen rapid technological advancements in lawtech in the country’s endeavour to provide affordable legal services to its citizens. In endeavours to develop online applications, experienced legal professionals are required to give counsel on the content within these technologies. Talent with strong legal expertise, with a blend of tech-savviness, will definitely be assets to teams working on lawtech projects,” says Simon Lance, Managing Director at Hays Greater China.

“Lawyers who have yet to venture into the world of tech could benefit from upskilling, should they yearn to get a piece of the lawtech pie.”

The top skills/ experience in demand include:

- Employment, litigation and compliance

- Mergers & Acquisitions

- General commercial

- Cyber security

The global recruitment firm also note that while the seemingly unstoppable momentum of Artificial Intelligence (AI) gathers pace and technological advancement is causing the potential for a disruptive future, the issue of data protection is a primary concern for Mainland China’s legal industry today.

“One new development that is resulting in a fundamental shift in legal talent needs is the new draft rules for data privacy protection. Such a measure is in response to the increase in cybercrimes in the country, such as the new waves of data breaches, leading to a proliferation of new laws to address the misuse of privacy data,” adds Simon.

“As both data privacy and lawtech continue to be the main areas within Mainland China that are shaping the world of legal professionals within the country. The demand for legal professionals is at an all-time high, yet at the same time, employers are increasingly demanding of their legal teams to possess specialised skills required in the aforementioned niche areas.”

“To become competitive within a talent shortage market, hiring processes must be robust, adaptable and most important, efficient. It is also worth noting that while the upper echelons of the organisations are facing relatively slower movement of legal talent, the market for entry-to-middle level candidates is thriving. Such talent are receiving multiple offers and it is a race to present your offer to them first and ensure it aligns with their career development and expectations.”

Read the full Inside Story of Legal in Mainland China here.