Millennials, Technology, and Professional Responsibility: Training a New Generation in Technological Professionalism

Abstract

This article explores the convergence of technologically-savvy Millennial law students, the evolving nature and expectations of legal practice, and the resulting responsibility of legal education to adequately prepare these law students to practice law in a new environment. This article will address the changing landscape of the law school and legal profession by: 1) examining several unique qualities particular to Millennials and their use of technology; 2) exploring the ethical implications of advancing technology on legal practice; and 3) presenting essential elements of a technological professionalism curriculum. As a matter of practical application, the article concludes with a hypothetical scenario that introduces and examines real-world examples of ethical and interpersonal issues associated with technology and provides best practice solutions.

Keywords: professional responsibility, competence, technology, confidentiality, clinical teaching