Law and design thinking: Preparing graduates for the future of legal work

Abstract

The rapidly evolving legal landscape is changing the nature of law and increasing the need for lawyers to acquire new skills and capabilities suited to the future of legal work. Australia’s first dedicated design thinking unit in undergraduate law – Queensland University of Technology’s (QUTs) Law and Design Thinking – teaches students to respond to legal challenges in innovative and creative ways. Three years on, this unit provides a valuable case study that establishes design thinking as an essential addition to traditional legal curricula and one that will ensure graduates are equipped for the future of work.