PROFESSIONAL SKILLS OF LAWYERS IN THE AGE OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: LEGALTECH, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND HUMAN-CENTRED COMPETENCE

Abstract. This article examines the redesign of professional legal competence under conditions of AI-assisted research, digital justice and platform-based legal services. The research problem is defined as the risk that rapid automation may increase efficiency while weakening independent legal judgement, accountability, confidentiality and human-centred professional values. Using doctrinal legal analysis, comparative analysis, competency modelling and qualitative content analysis, the study reviews national and international approaches to digital legal professionalism. The scientific novelty lies in a human-centred digital competence architecture that treats technology literacy, verification, ethical reasoning, communication and legal judgement as inseparable dimensions. The main result is a staged model for integrating LegalTech and AI into legal work while preserving meaningful human control and professional responsibility. The findings show that legal education and professional development should evaluate not merely the use of technology, but also source verification, explanation, ethical judgement, confidentiality and human accountability. The proposed framework can support curriculum reform, continuing legal education and institutional standards for responsible technology-assisted legal practice.