Rethinking Legal Services in the Face of Globalization and Technology Innovation: The Case of Radiant Law

In this teaching case, we challenge students to think about and discuss how the legal profession can adapt to disruptive forces caused by the globalization of skills and technology innovation. The case focuses on how one UK-based firm - Radiant Law - completely rethought the delivery of legal services. This 'new age' law firm continually tested the boundaries of new ways to leverage the value of global talent and technology. For example, it changed its pricing and sourcing models, adopted new technologies, hired freelance IT professionals globally to develop software to streamline its legal work, engaged outsourcing providers in India and (subsequently) in South Africa. After nearly 3 years in South Africa, Radiant Law contemplated switching its sourcing model again. The Radiant Law story supports discussion about challenges associated with global sourcing decisions and the present and future shape of professional work and services in an increasingly technology-enabled, globalized world.