The Business of Law and the Profession of Law

During the past decade, the nature of the legal profession has been radically changed by external factors such as technology and globalisation. The practice of law, which has historically been considered a “profession”, now is more like a “business”.

At the same time, what differentiates law from most other businesses is the fact that alongside the commercial aspects, it also concerns procedural, regulatory, statutory and political issues. In addition, our services are governed by long established moral and ethical standards.

The UIA, founded in 1927, is an organisation uniquely positioned to promote the profession and business of law and to develop legal knowledge on an international level.

In Porto, during six roundtables open to debate with all the seminar participants, we will discuss the ways in which law has become more of a business and less of a profession by focusing on: challenges to the profession’s core values (independence, secrecy, education, limited admission), the impact of technology on the delivery of legal services and the lives of lawyers, how access to the internet affects law firms, new areas of practice for lawyers, and the role the professional associations can play in addressing the changes, namely those imposed by international organisations such as the WTO.

We expect to welcome you to Porto, homeland to the genuine and best Vintage Port wine (the one that does not travel).

Please download the programme and the registration form.