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The rapid pace of technological development has created complex legal problems for our society. Many law schools, such as the University of Florida Levin College of Law, pictured here, provide students and opportunity to study law related to technology and other niche industries such as fashion and entertainment. Photo: UF Levin College of Law.
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When you think of a lawyer, your brain probably illustrates a very particular picture: men in suits in a regal-looking courtroom arguing over a high-stakes case. They passionately make their pleas to the jury about the innocence of their client--or the damning evidence against them. It’s exciting, and that’s probably because that image is coming from what we understand about lawyers from movies, television, and other media sources.
Another common trope that is common among the media’s portrayal of law is the few generalized areas of law that are shown being practiced. For example, you’ll see defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys, but usually in the context of a murder trial, custody case, or another “sexy” area of law that is exciting and (let’s be honest) entertaining to watch.
The reality of the legal world, as you might already know, is much more nuanced and diverse. In fact, one recent trend illustrates the degree of the legal profession’s utility—niche law firms. These law firms are similar to tech start-ups that specialize in one type of technology, though instead they have one hyper-focused legal specialty.
Tech law is a good example. Tech plays a critical role in our modern society, and the rapid advancement of technology has created many problems for the law, as sluggish legislatures and politicians attempt to craft legislation that can keep up.
“After 2009, everyone was asked to do more with less, and technology has made it possible to meet those demands,” said Robert Birrenko, University of Florida Levin College of Law’s assistant dean for career services. The University of Florida’s Levin College of Law is responsible for educating great legal minds, including U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Lucius D. Battle, Florida Senator Dan Gelber, and former U.S. district attorney Kendall Coffey.
“Every aspect of the law is impacted by technology, which changes how services are delivered,” Birrenko continued. “Everyone has felt the pressure.”
Of course, there is more variety than just tech-focused niche law firms. In the Miami area, for example, there are many legal boutiques that specialize in the nightlife, fashion, international business, and cybersecurity.
One benefit of niche law firms: assuming they can stay afloat, their presence tends to increase the number of law firms in general, and that could theoretically help ease the friction that is caused by an over abundance of trained lawyers and not enough jobs.
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