Development and Professional Integration of Digital Competences in the Czech Legal Sector

Abstract:

The study examines the development of digital competences among legal professionals in the Czech Republic, specifically among attorneys and judges. Drawing on a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews with 32 respondents are used to analyze how selected legal professionals perceive and develop digital competences. The results show that attorneys are more active in the field of digitalization, particularly due to the direct impact of technologies on their practice and competitiveness. Judges, by contrast, display a more reserved approach, influenced in part by the structure of the judicial system. The research points to the need for systematic professional education in digital technologies and the importance of strategic support for the development of digital competences in the legal environment. These findings correspond with international trends that emphasize the necessity of reflective and practice-oriented education. The development of digital competences should be understood not only as a technical innovation, but also as part of the professional identity of attorneys and judges in the era of Industry 5.0.