In part one of a two-part series, Chrissie Lightfoot analyses the technologies that will disrupt the legal sector in tsunami-like style within the next few years

As a futurist, an entrepreneur, and a lawyer, I always get asked, 'What do you think is the next big thing in the legal world?'

I begin my response with a catch-all reply: 'The next big thing is anything that helps you attract and keep a client. No client equals no business. A bit of a cliché, I know. But you must constantly rethink how to do things better using the latest research, thinking, and innovations.' In 2008 I commented that the next 'big thing' would be the adoption of social media and social networking, providing an innovative, cost-effective, smart way to market, brand, and sell using the latest in digital technology.