Legal convention highlights software flaws

A National Convention of lawyers, held on October 21, 2026, identified significant issues with global software used by legal professionals, particularly concerning digital certificates that verify website authenticity. These flaws could compromise the security and confidentiality of legal communications and data.

Focus on AI and legal modernization

The event, organized by the Conseil National des Barreaux and bar associations in Toulouse, Albi, and Montauban, also emphasized the role of artificial intelligence in transforming the legal profession and the need to modernize legal practices to keep pace with technological advancements.

Secure messaging and email initiatives

The Conseil National des Barreaux introduced a secure messaging service through avocat.fr and proposed that all lawyers have a secure email address. This proposal was submitted for public consultation on October 13, 2026, aiming to enhance the security of legal communications.

Improving legal access in rural areas

The Conference of Presidents pledged to improve access to legal resources across France, including rural regions, through a partnership with the Association of Mayors of France. This initiative seeks to reduce disparities in legal support and ensure more equitable access to justice.

Digital sovereignty strategy launched

The Bar of Paris adopted a digital sovereignty strategy titled Toward a Sovereign Bar in May 2026. It also launched Themisia, an office management tool, which was later made available to all French bar associations, promoting self-reliance in legal technology.

Sovereign platform with AI tools

The Conseil National des Barreaux partnered with the Legal Data Space to create Avocat+, a sovereign platform hosting AI tools developed specifically for the legal profession. These tools are hosted in France and designed to protect professional secrecy, along with a digital resilience index to measure the level of sovereignty of the solutions.

Incubators for domestic software development

Incubators established by bar associations in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, and the Hauts-de-Seine are supporting the creation of alternatives to foreign software. These initiatives aim to reduce reliance on overseas technology and foster innovation within the legal sector.

Inequalities in legal access identified

The National Convention of Lawyers pointed out "inequalities in access to the law across the entire territory" as a major weakness in the justice system. A consultation was launched to develop concrete actions, including creating a permanent platform for collaboration between legal professionals and legal startups.

Consultation open to all stakeholders

The consultation, open to lawyers, law firms, bar associations, institutions, companies, and citizens, will officially start on October 29, 2026, on the website souverainete-avocats.fr/consultation. The results will be published on May 25, 2027, the anniversary of the GDPR’s implementation.

Platform proposed by legal tech groups

The platform for the consultation is proposed by Juris-Connect, DigiBarre, and the association Data Ring, reflecting a collaborative effort to address legal technology challenges and promote digital sovereignty in the profession.