In our last article on legal services innovation, we talked about how legal professionals are trained to look to the past for solutions — and how that hinders innovation. Yet another trend is already emerging for this transforming industry: Self Help.

Now more than ever before, consumers and prospective clients have access to a plethora of legal resources and information. And they’re learning valuable information about the legal industry. It’s part of what David Galbenski, CEO and founder of Lumen Legal, author of Unbound, and Maddock Douglas GEN Member calls the “Self Help Trend.”

How does Self Help affect innovation in the legal industry?

In the most basic sense, these resources are taking the exclusivity out of the verbiage, the procedure, the processes and the services. And to some legal professionals, this isn’t an ideal situation. For example, some firms charge high rates for simpler tasks, and a more educated consumer might opt to do it themselves — with or without help from a legal professional.

Others may identify this trend as a sign of new times, an age when the client directs the professional due to a new found knowledge and sense of empowerment. But in the legal industry, for the most part, that’s simply not true. Most consumers with a complicated challenge will realize that a legal professional is invaluable for navigating the intricacies of the system.

How will innovative legal professionals and firms fill an unmet consumer need?

The smartest legal services professionals see similar challenges as opportunities - not threats. Web sites, legal journalists and resources allow consumers to understand what they’re paying for — which is not a bad thing. The best law firms have the chance to shine — tapping new channels to deliver legal services to consumers — and those consumers, if satisfied will take to the Internet to tell others (just go to Yelp and type in legal services - people are already rating firms and professionals).

The glass is half full — it’s up to the legal professionals to take charge, drink in the opportunity and transform the future of the their industry.

Have you seen the new Maddock Douglas homepage?

Follow Maddock Douglas on Twitter

Read More In: News, Rumors, Gossip, & Trends Innovation Discussion Legal Services New Products, Services, and Business Models Innovation Community Ideas