Polish legal expert Rafał Adamus argues that a legal career remains viable, but requires interdisciplinary skills and adaptability in the face of technological and political shifts.
Combining Law with Other Disciplines
Hans Kelsen, author of “Pure Theory of Law,” would likely disapprove, but in today’s world, combining legal knowledge with other fields is valuable. Specializations like psycho-law, socio-law, eco-law, and info-law are promising avenues.
Successful integration isn’t limited to psychology, sociology, economics, or computer science; many disciplines can be effectively combined with law.
Law’s Endurance Even in Extreme Scenarios
It’s possible to argue that lawyers will be needed as long as “homo sapiens” civilization exists, even if “Generation Z” envisions an apocalyptic scenario like a zombie outbreak.
The end of civilization will only occur when law ceases to be a set of rules processed by human minds and becomes code understood only by machines.
The Human Mind vs. the Algorithm
As long as the language of law remains with humans, there will be a place for the human mind. Law is an art, not mathematics. Automating mundane tasks, like payment demands, frees up time for discussing the essence of law.
The nature of the legal profession will change due to artificial intelligence, but it won’t disappear.
A Demanding Profession
A legal career is objectively challenging. A single letter change in legislation can render accumulated knowledge obsolete. Laws are often poorly written, and numerous statutes undermine the spirit of the law.
The legal profession demands hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Career Prospects for Lawyers
The appeal of becoming a lawyer differs from the reality of finding well-paid work in the field. A small percentage of law graduates may achieve significant careers, but this issue affects other professions as well.
Political Interference in the Legal System
Politics has significantly impacted the legal system in Poland, making it difficult to discern legitimate courts and tribunals. The concepts of “nation” and “party” are often blurred, with politicians offering simplified narratives to voters.
A disoriented citizen can be described, with respect, as “homo ZiobroŻurek.” However, areas within the legal field remain free from political influence, and solid legal knowledge can protect against collective delusion.
About Rafał Adamus
Rafał Adamus is a Polish lawyer, legal counsel, professor of social sciences in legal studies, and associate professor at the University of Opole, specializing in civil law.
