The purpose of this article is to set out several general ideas about the evolution of the lawyers’ profession. These ideas came about as a result of my experience implementing a “Knowledge Management” project at Archibald (Arhtur Andersen law firm) in 2001-2002. At the heart of these ideas lies the issue of the impact of the increased power of new technologies in general and of the Internet in particular (on the business of law firms. There is also the question of knowing if what is at stake here is limited to the sharing of skills and information, or if the creation of a "Knowledge Management" function involves deeper questioning as to how law is practiced . Resistance to the implementation of such a project would seem to point to the latter idea. This should not, however, prevent the legal profession from evolving towards a manner of practicing that is significantly different from the traditional practice of law. In fact, this evolution is not only necessary. It is inevitable.

1. La Gazette du Palais N°279-281 8/10/2002