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Legal, Ethical and Technological Challenges of New Emerging Technologies for Lawyers: A Mixed Methods Approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 June 2025

Fahimeh Abedi ,
Tim Miller  and
Atif Ahmad
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Abstract

This study, authored by Dr Fahimeh Abedi, Prof. Tim Miller and Prof. Atif Ahmad, explores the skills gaps lawyers face when advising on emerging technologies in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach, the authors conducted qualitative interviews with 26 in-house lawyers and a broader quantitative survey revealed key challenges, including complex legislation, unclear regulatory frameworks and ethical concerns in data use. Findings highlight a significant gap in technological literacy within the legal profession, emphasising the need for improved knowledge, skills and ethical awareness. This research provides a roadmap for equipping legal professionals for responsible leadership in a technology-driven future, offering significant insights for policymakers and regulators.

Keywords

digital literacylegal practitionerslawyersethicssoftwaredata protectionAustralia
Type
International Perspectives
Information
Legal Information Management , Volume 25 , Issue 1 , March 2025 , pp. 48 - 58
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by British and Irish Association of Law Librarians

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References

Endnotes

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