Angus Young and Grace Li on Technological Disruption as an Agent of Change in Legal Education? Surprises, Disappointments and Experimentations in Australia and Hong Kong (The Law Teacher)

“Technological disruption as an agent of change in legal education? Surprises, disappointments and experimentations in Australia and Hong Kong“
Grace Li and Angus Young
The Law Teacher
Published online: January 2026

Abstract: This article explores how law schools in Australia and Hong Kong address digital disruption, particularly legaltech, and whether curricula equip graduates to manage structural and business-model shifts in legal services. Using a systematic survey of course handbooks identified through keyword searches and coded by inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study maps documented legaltech education. Course descriptions were cross-checked with faculty webpages where possible, though reliance on published handbooks is noted as a limitation. Findings reveal that while legaltech offerings are growing, they remain uneven and fragmented. This gap supports the central argument: law schools must move beyond isolated technology modules to fostering adaptability and change management skills. Practical barriers—such as high software costs and limited staff expertise—further constrain reform despite pedagogical intent. By situating these challenges within broader debates on hybrid legal roles and regulatory disruption, the article underscores the need for legal education to evolve beyond technical knowledge toward preparing graduates for dynamic professional models.