ABSTRACT
Many lawyers in practice entered the profession before lawyers were using email and voicemail, to say nothing of personal computers, smart phones, and the internet. Innovations in technology are driving much of the change in the legal profession. Competence is not the only virtue implicated by changing technology. Some of the greatest challenges for the traditional values of the legal profession relate to the duty to practice in a spirit of public service. New methods of communication increase the likelihood of discourteous, uncivil communication between lawyers because they can happen so quickly, before lawyers have the time to reflect, and because they are indirect. Technology is not the only force driving change in the legal profession. There is also a trend toward globalization of the practice, particularly as it relates to the representation of businesses. Despite the timid recommendations of the ABA Commission, it appears clear to us for permitting to practice in an ABS.
