In NSW alone, over 7,300 private law practices were in operation last year, with a quarter of those run by a single principal. This shift signals a movement towards the prioritisation of innovation over rigid firm structures. The forward-thinking lawyers, often known as “legalpreneurs”, leading this change are using legal tech to reshape the future of legal services.

The evolution of the legalpreneur

Legalpreneurs are committed to reshaping the entire ethos of the legal system. Increasingly, we are witnessing law firms move away from traditional models and exploring flexible fee structures, consultancy-based approaches, and cutting-edge technology to boost efficiency and enhance the client experience.

This shift has been enabled by the availability of cloud technology, which has levelled the playing field, allowing smaller boutique firms to compete with more established practices. Cloud technology has facilitated the growth of alternative legal services delivery models and empowered a new generation of lawyers to establish independent practices.

VIEW ALL

With hiring rates falling in 2023 and one in 10 lawyers planning to leave the entire profession within just a year of starting due to burnout, it’s clear that traditional models are failing the next generation of legal talent. In contrast, legalpreneurs are proving that law firms can be both profitable and people-centric – offering talent more control over their careers while providing superior service to clients.

The focus is no longer chasing after the big-name firms. We are seeing a whole new generation of lawyers choosing roles that put a healthier work/life balance and stronger workplace culture first when making their decisions.

Driving autonomy and productivity

At the core of the legalpreneur movement is technology. Beyond being a tool driving efficiency, legal tech is reshaping how legal professionals work – offering greater autonomy, flexibility, and the ability to challenge outdated industry norms. Unlike larger firms, which often face greater barriers when integrating new technology, legalpreneurs are more agile – leveraging cutting-edge tools that attract top talent, redefine client relationships, and streamline operations.

From cloud-based management tools to AI-powered document review systems, legal tech is enabling leaner, more agile firms to compete with traditional firms. By automating time-consuming tasks such as contract drafting, document filing, and reviews, legalpreneurs can reduce costs, enhance workflows, and focus on driving high-value services to clients.

One firm successfully embracing this shift is Albrecht Burrows, co-founded by Nik Albrecht. Nik experienced firsthand how traditional law firms resisted change and saw an opportunity to build a tech-driven, culture-first practice that prioritised flexibility and efficiency. By embracing technology and embedding it into daily operations, the company has streamlined processes, significantly reduced overhead costs, and improved productivity.

Promoting accessibility and collaboration

Crucially, technology is also driving a shift towards a more collaborative, client-first legal sector. Independent firms like Albrecht Burrows are leveraging technology to offer more affordable and accessible legal services to clients while creating a flexible and trusted work environment for employees – attracting top talent in the industry.

Legalprenuers are increasingly moving away from traditional billable hours and towards value-based pricing, where clients are billed for the quality and outcome of service rather than just the hours or time spent. Adopting this client-centric approach not only improves cash flow for legal firms – who are twice as likely to get paid faster than those billing traditionally – but also enhances accessibility. By offering transparent and predictable pricing structures such as flat fees or subscriptions, clients can assess the cost of legal services up front, breaking down financial barriers.

Beyond pricing, legal tech is also breaking down geographical barriers. Cloud-based systems allow firms to collaborate seamlessly across multiple locations, opening up access to top-tier talent and new client markets. This shift, in particular, is redefining what a modern legal practice looks like; for example, leveraging cloud-based systems has enabled the team at Albrecht Burrows to serve clients across Australia, regardless of location, affording the team greater flexibility and opening the door to new talent.

The future of legalprenuers

The growing number of legalpreneurs marks a new era in the legal sector. It is becoming one defined by greater autonomy, flexibility, innovation, and a commitment to improving accessibility. Legalpreneurs aren’t just looking for incremental change; they are actively seeking out key innovations to reshape the legal landscape. So, how can firms adapt?

Strategically adopt legal tech – automate repetitive tasks and integrate AI-powered and cloud-based systems that improve efficiency.

Rethink billing models – move away from rigid billable-hour structures to explore value-based pricing that aligns legal services with client outcomes. This approach fosters stronger client relationships and creates a more accessible legal system.

Prioritise workplace flexibility – today’s legal professionals demand a better work/life balance, and firms offering remote work, flexible hours, and a results-driven culture are more likely to attract and retain top talent.

As legal professionals continue to seek more work/life balance or impactful careers, firms that resist operational transformation and technology integration risk losing talent and staying relevant.

Denise Farmer is the general manager in APAC at Clio Software.