ABSTRACT
The focus of this chapter is on legal academics, the impact of digital transformation on their professional lives and how best to digitally empower them. It begins by exploring the various professional identities a legal academic might hold and the institutional contexts within which they work, noting the growing interrelationship between academic and vocational legal education, and noting particularly the impact of clinical legal education. The chapter then asks how legal academics can respond, individually and collectively, to profound digital change, given the variety of responses to such change and the challenges for both individuals and law schools. It identifies barriers to digital empowerment and strategies for overcoming these barriers. Finally, it proposes a research agenda, including, but not limited to, the following areas:
The effects of digital disruption on legal practice, the legal profession and legal education.
Empirical research to understand digital literacies, identifying strengths and gaps.
Further research on the ideas suggested within the book.
Investigation and evaluation of new and existing technologies, ideas and applications.
Identifying digital solutions to existing problems in the legal system or education.
Research into change management in this environment.
