No Session
Consolata Maitha, Tutorial Fellow, Mount Kenya University
Abstract
The adoption and advancement of digital technology in various aspects of society has created an immeasurable influence and radical transformation in society. The transformation scope in the legal studies, law profession and the justice system ranges from establishment of new concepts and areas of practice such as law of block-chain, digital evidence, new forms of properties, digital privacy and data protection, cybercrimes and new models of commercial transactions among others. These developments are complex and dynamic in nature and more of interactive activities but with a foundation in the contemporary laws. Today, digital technology has created a new generation of digital lawyers equipped with advanced skillful use of digital technology in a wide range such as virtual hearings, enhanced research and writing through artificial intelligence (AI), processing the admissibility of electronic evidence among others. Therefore, digital technology has influenced the legal profession by advancing the character and practice of law hence creating a dawn of new business models for lawyers whose strength is determined by the availability of digital infrastructure. These business models differ from the conventional modes of practicing law such as litigation, conveyancing and consultancy to new models such as content creators of law, digital solutions for law professionals, digital advocacy and subscription services. However, the influence of digital technology in law practice on adoption and propagation of new business model is far from being a reality for lawyers in Kenya due to various barring and limiting factors. This paper will asses and analyse various factors that limit progressive practice of law in Kenya under the umbrella of new business models enabled by digital technology in the light of legal and ethical perspectives in Kenya.
Biography
Ms Maitha is an established lawyer and specializes in criminal law, information communication technology law and human rights. She is a Master of Laws graduate, Bachelor of Social and Legal Sciences and Diploma in Cyber laws. Worked and consulted for various sectors, tasks within the scope of human rights (Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Health, Online Campaigns) and information communication technology (promotion of education rights through Information Communication Technologies, policies and regulation, management of e-waste).
With tangible experience, offering attention to detail, excellent research skills and critical evaluation; three years experience in content development and training and six years extensive experience in lecturing, research and projects supervision at university level. A certified and practicing trustee managing a scheme of about two thousand employees and an internal auditor