The Michigan Bar Association has developed a smartphone app which acts as a directory of members and links the public to them for advice, in a similar manner to the Avvo app. Speaking at a panel session on disruptive technology at the ABA annual meeting in Chicago, Mr Rombach said: 'We can’t regulate our way out of this. If you don’t see the course of history changing our profession, then you’ll be in the dustbin along with the dinosaurs.'

To partner or not?

Representatives of the disruptive technology sector sought, in general, to reassure lawyers. Co-operation was proposed. John Suh of LegalZoom said: 'If the fundamental mission is democratizing law and increasing access to justice for millions of Americans that can’t afford it, why aren’t we partners?' Source: ABA