Law new, like all things legal, can be hard to define. It typically refers to an area of law practice that takes advantage of technology and has a process focus. It also means working with clients to find ways to help them in areas of legal need that might be outside of a firm’s traditional core. This type of practice, whether it’s a standalone practice, an add-on to a law firm or a start-up, can be a significant growth opportunity for a company or law firm.
A law new practice might include providing services related to e-discovery, contract review, or data analytics. The underlying goal is to offer more value to clients while keeping expenses low. This can be done by embracing new technology or by offering a different way to deliver legal services, such as via an alternative fee structure. In many cases, the work in this area of legal practice is performed by staffers who are not on a partner track.
The term “law new” is a fairly modern concept, but it has roots in the ancient idea that some activities are simply not allowed, and the creation of laws to govern those activities. In the modern world, a law is often considered to be a set of regulations or guidelines that govern how people are expected to act in a specific situation. Laws can be created to regulate activities in a variety of areas, including real property law (which covers ownership and possession), criminal law, family law and civil rights.
There are many definitions of law, but some of the most well-known include utilitarian theory and natural law philosophy. Utilitarian theory, a philosophical position developed by Jeremy Bentham in the 1790s, holds that the purpose of law is to ensure fairness and predictability for everyone. Natural law philosophers, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, held that the laws of nature were universal and unchanging.
The lawmaking process in the United States is complex. A bill to create a law can be introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, then assigned to a committee where members will research it and make changes. If a committee approves the bill, it will be moved to a full vote of the chamber, where it can pass or fail. If it passes, the president will sign it into law. Learn more about how bills become laws in the United States, including how they are drafted and debated.