The internet as a tool of globalization is one without peer. Truth be told, globalization in most of its ramifications has been in existence since kingdoms were formed and countries traded one with the other. However, the rate of information disseminated via the internet cannot be adequately quantified. What then is globalization?
The term is used loosely and specifically in a myriad of contexts. A working definition would be that globalization refers to movement towards global unity; where countries and governments relate and integrate through trade, education, politics and culture thereby forming a global personality sometimes at the expense of the national identity. www.Globalization.Org defines globalization as a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology.
Globalization, advanced by the internet has opened up new and previously undiscovered avenues of economic empowerment to the citizens of the world. This is because the constraint of distance, that is time and space is largely diminished. Partnerships are springing up with both partners in different parts of the world and most times, without any prior physical meeting; the internet serves as a sufficient meeting point. With new internet based businesses springing up every second, the possibilities are endless for the legal practitioner. However, I will mention just three spheres in which a lawyer may be relevant online.
Virtual Assistants (VA): A VA may be in almost any field, but is particularly in the area having to do with services. A VA could be in any area of specialization; accounting, auditing, secretarial services and law, just to mention a few. From the comfort of the home (or office), a lawyer may offer legal advice to a client an ocean away. This could be a one-time arrangement or on a retainer basis. Letters can be exchanged via email and bills paid through credit cards and other avenues set up for that purpose. The client and the lawyer need never meet face to face.
Legal Services to Potential Investors: A good grasp of International law would be an advantage in this area. As the world becomes further reduced into the global village, we find investors who would never have looked beyond the boundaries of their country beginning to look across the ocean for opportunities. These entrepreneurs need the help and advice of lawyers versed in the laws of prospective country. This can also be offered via email and the internet.
Cyber Law: The law governing practices and transactions on the internet is sketchy at best as new facets crop up every day. Issues such as intellectual property, privacy, antitrust, fraud and countless others emerge regularly for consideration. More often than not, expert advice is needed. In Nigeria, there is barely any law governing the use of the internet, therefore fraudsters and plagiarists run amok. This is another field in which a legal practitioner may be distinguished.
Emeka Maduewesi, Esq. in his article, “Trans-national Legal Practice: Preparing Locally to Practice Globally” provided a more extensive list on how Lawyers can further realign their practise with the digital age. Read it here.
The Nigerian Lawyer is dedicated to exploring the various means by which the legal practitioner can harness the various opportunities provided by technology, and the internet in particular, to hone and expedite law practice.
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