A lot has happened in the legal industry over the last few years:

• Legal tech hit a home run with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• General Counsels (GCs) got more involved in business decisions.
• New laws emerged to address rising concerns surrounding cybersecurity, ESG, and the use of technology.

Safe to say, the industry has gotten a makeover, and the days of “business as usual” are firmly behind us. But in the midst of all this, how do you maintain competitiveness? How do you stay on the right side of the revolution? 

The answer is simple: by updating your skill set!

In this guide, we’ve discussed some of the most important legal skills you must learn to thrive in the current landscape.

The rise of lawyer 2.0: Meeting the demands of the legal industry in 2025

Source: Mary O'Carroll Via LinkedIn

In 2025, in-house counsel find themselves wearing more hats than ever before, juggling roles that stretch beyond the scope of traditional legal work. In a study by ACC, 85% of CLOs say they oversee at least three more business functions beyond legal.

The modern legal counsel is required to be a lawyer, compliance officer, business strategist, productivity expert, and risk mitigator rolled into one.

Mastering legal tech and doing more with less

Despite their growing responsibilities, legal teams are experiencing a wave of budget cuts and resource constraints across the board.

In a study by Axiom, 96% of surveyed GCs reported budget cuts as organizations continue to tighten the belt, requiring legal teams to do more with less.

Over the last few years, the spotlight has been on legal technology as a means by which legal departments can quickly complete tasks at scale without significantly affecting financial resources. 

This interest has seen new highs with the viral introduction of generative AI, which has shown immense capabilities at streamlining core legal processes, promising to help legal teams save considerable time and costs.

In light of this, 66% of legal leaders have stated plans to accelerate their investments in legal technology. Across the board, legal technology is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4%, hitting $35.6 billion by 2027.

The rising interest in legal tech spells new demands for in-house legal counsel who must not only learn to harness digital tools but also stay on top of emerging regulations associated with the use of technology.

Also read: Top 10 Legal Trends in 2025: A Deeper Look into the Legal Industry

Staying on top of global policies

Source: Robert Cullen via LinkedIn

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predicts a 3.3% climb in global trade of goods and services by 2025, a massive climb from the 1% growth reported in 2023.

With the rise of international commerce, organizations are ramping up their efforts at securing shares in new markets. While these ventures come with opportunities, the risks are undeniable.

A study by the Ponemon Institute revealed that multinational organizations lose an average of $9.4 million every year due to non-compliance.

This poses new demands for corporate legal departments as organizations begin prioritizing business-minded legal professionals who can stay ahead of risks and deliver legal insights that empower their strategies.

Legal teams must stay on top of cross-border regulations and ensure that every legal advice is tailored to fit the cultural nuances of the territories their company is penetrating.

Navigating social awareness.

According to a study by PwC, 64% of CEOs cite Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a core part of their business strategy.

But with new global regulations and the rising spread of social awareness among consumer and investment communities, legal guidance has become more paramount than ever. This is reflected in ACC’s report, in which one in four CLOs say they oversee ESG and CSR functions.

Legal counsel are increasingly tasked with advising stakeholders on issues like sustainability, workplace equity, and ethical business practices while also mitigating risks related to public relations and reputational harm.

This often requires regularly rubbing minds with HR, PR, and ESG teams to make sure that corporate policies are in tune with societal expectations and regulatory requirements.

Also read: Lawyer Job Outlook For 2025: Top Legal Practice Areas and Emerging Trends

Top 5 skills for lawyers in 2025

Most lawyers come equipped with a vast collection of skills and characteristics, from strong work ethics and communication to critical thinking and research.

But to survive in the modern legal ecosystem, your traditional skills are simply not enough. In this era, it’s sink or swim, and to stay afloat, you must upgrade your skills.

Below, we’ve discussed some of the most crucial skills you must learn to remain indispensable.

#1 Technical proficiency

Source: Eve Dullabh

Technology is the backbone of modern business operations and has become a non-negotiable for legal departments. From Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems to AI-powered legal research tools, modern legal teams aren't just using tech to keep the lights on; they're using it to cut costs, ramp up productivity, and stay ahead of the curve.

You need to know your way around these tools. With sufficient digital proficiency, you'll not only enjoy massive productivity benefits but also ramp up your competitive edge.

Beyond knowing how to use these tools, you should also be on top of concerns related to the use of technology in legal practice ( e.g. cybersecurity and ethical use).

#2 Business acumen

“Legal should be pushing businesses forward, not just receiving tasks. So, if a legal team doesn't equally view themselves as part of the business, actively making business decisions along with the marketing, product, and finance teams, then the symbiotic relationship between legal and business is lost. And I question really the value of legal over the long term of a company unless I can propel it differently than it's operating today.”

~ Megan Niedermeyer and Brenda Perez, Apollo.io
Aligning Legal's Limitless Potential to Business Goals

In recent times, there’s been a visible overlap between law and business. Business enablement has become a buzz phrase across the industry.

Lawyers, once reserved for spotting risks and advising on rising legal issues, are now expected to go beyond legalities and see the “bigger picture.”

To thrive in this new ecosystem, you need to master the basics of business and how legal decisions impact the bottom line.

Organizations are prioritizing legal professionals who can creatively integrate legal insights into business strategies. This means having a flexible risk appetite, an eye for opportunities, and a balanced perspective on risk and compliance.

“To me, a risk only matters if it's material. If it’s immaterial, I don’t care about it. If it's likely to occur but it's not very costly, I probably don't care. If it's unlikely to occur but, man, if that meteor hit the earth today, it would be bad—I also don't care. It's just not likely to happen.”

~ Jonathan Franz, Head of Legal, Crunchbase
Navigating Economic Turbulence and Thriving in Chaos

#3 Cross-functional collaboration

“The legal department was often seen as a hallowed black box where no one really understood what they did.”

~ Janet Taylor-Hall, Chief Executive of Cognia Law

In a study by ACC, 58% of in-house legal counsel said their peers in other departments see them as roadblocks. This is a reputation that legal professionals are desperate to squash.

Source: The State of Collaboration in Corporate Legal Departments

A modern lawyer builds bridges, not walls.

Whether you're in-house or at a firm, the ability to collaborate with co-workers in different departments is critical. You have to speak the language of marketing, sales, HR, and finance, and understand how each area ticks.

It’s no longer enough to just give legal advice in a vacuum. Legal decisions are now tied to company-wide strategies, and you must be able to partner with others to deliver holistic solutions.

#4 Regulatory expertise in emerging areas

To be fair, the last few years have been a handful for lawyers. From AI and blockchain to ESG and cybersecurity, the industry has witnessed a whirlwind of new frontiers.

While these emerging areas present opportunities that companies are eager to explore, the laws surrounding them aren’t always clear-cut, and they’re often changing in response to new developments.

To remain competitive and indispensable, you must learn to stay on top of emerging trends. Identify a means to keep your fingers on the pulse so you can always help your organization maximize opportunities and stay safe in uncharted waters.

#5 Data literacy

“A fundamental truth in-house lawyers need to understand is that numbers drive a business.”

~ Sterling Miller

Successful business decisions are driven by data, and lawyers can no longer afford to be strangers to the numbers game.

A study by Havard Business Review showed that 60% of legal departments are harnessing data analytics (an 8% increase from the previous year).

Organizations are increasingly requiring legal teams to report and operate like other business functions. Data literacy empowers you to make a strong case for your department, painting a vivid picture of the value your team brings to the table.

It allows you to see beyond the obvious and make decisions backed by facts.

Whether it's analyzing patterns in contracts or tracking trends in litigation outcomes, your ability to handle data efficiently will set you apart from the crowd in 2025.

Also read: Top Skills Every Legal Ops Professional Must Have

How can you develop new skills as a legal professional?

Source: Robert Cullen via LinkedIn

You can't be too busy or old to develop new skills, especially when your career depends on them. You also don't have to spend a fortune or go through a formal route to gain new, career-defining proficiencies. There are simply no excuses.

If you’re willing to upskill, there’s a whole plethora of ways to do that. Let’s discuss a few.

#1 Physical workshops

Nothing beats the hands-on experience of physical workshops. These sessions often go beyond theoretical knowledge, offering real-time, interactive learning.

Organizations like World Commerce and Contracting Association (WorldCC), the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL), and the American Bar Association (ABA) regularly host workshops that address the current realities of the industry.

Along with the valuable learning experience they offer, workshops are also a great chance to network and build valuable relationships with other legal professionals.

#2 Online courses

One of the best things about existing in our era is the hyper-accessibility of learning materials. With just a few clicks from your phone or computer, you can pick up new courses on different areas of legal practice.

Whether it’s brushing up on new regulations or learning about cutting-edge tech tools, online courses are a goldmine for expanding your expertise.

That said, to get practical, real-world insights, make sure you only consume courses taught by proven industry experts.

#3 Webinars and online conferences

If you’re strapped for time but still want to stay sharp, webinars and online conferences are the perfect solution. They’re often bite-sized and packed with valuable insights from leaders in the legal field.

SpotDraft’s Virtual Events are an excellent example of this. These online sessions allow you to stay in the loop with current trends, regulations, and emerging tech without leaving your desk. Plus, you can access recordings anytime, making it easy to learn at your own pace.

Think of it like having a front-row seat to powerful legal discussions—without the travel expenses.

#4 Mentorships

Finding a mentor who has been around the block can give you insider knowledge you won't get from a textbook. Look for individuals who have experience in the areas you want to develop. 

They will point you to the right resources, guide you through challenges, and offer practical advice about legal issues you're interested in.

#5 Peer learning groups

Sometimes, the best way to learn is through the collective brainpower of your peers. Legal professionals are always looking to stay ahead, so why not join a community of like-minded folks?

These groups are often informal. However, they provide a platform to discuss emerging trends, share resources, and solve problems together.

Adapt to stay afloat

Thriving in the current legal ecosystem demands constant adaptation. While traditional legal skills remain crucial, they’re simply no longer enough. You need to cultivate a habit of upskilling and staying in touch with the current realities of the industry.

In all this, SpotDraft's Counsel Corner is your best resource for keeping your fingers on the pulse. In Counsel Corner, we regularly partner with leading legal professionals to discuss current events in the industry and bring answers to your burning questions.

Ready to dive in? Click here to begin.