Financial competence crucial for contemporary lawyers, as demonstrated by Lithuania's legal sector transitioning from courtrooms to FinTech.

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) has introduced a Master's program in Financial Law, aiming to equip students with a unique blend of legal and financial expertise. The program, launched by the Faculty of Law, is designed to meet the demands of the fast-paced FinTech industry in Lithuania, particularly for compliance specialists in financial institutions.

The program's curriculum focuses on emerging financial services, the challenges they present, and the impact of technological advancements, particularly AI, on legal compliance. Aurelia Mari, a senior financial investigator at the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), teaches a course at VMU and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and knowledge of the EU legal system.

Professionals with knowledge of the DORA regulation (Digital Operational Resilience in the Financial Sector) will be in high demand, as the regulation aims to ensure the operational resilience of the financial sector in the digital age. The program aims to prepare graduates who can ensure financial institutions' compliance with the law and address challenges beyond typical operational risks.

A modern compliance officer requires a blend of expertise in law, business processes, technology, and risk management. Understanding how financial technology works and the risks involved, such as cybersecurity, is a highly sought-after competency by employers. Liudas Basiulis from ECPA emphasizes the critical importance and often lacking nature of cybersecurity competencies.

Aspiring professionals should seek out internship opportunities and hone foreign language skills to open up greater career opportunities. Aurelia Mari advises aspiring professionals to be curious and open to the world for a career in EU institutions. She notes that being "broad-minded" and able to adapt to different circumstances is a key characteristic for working in an international environment with colleagues from various cultures.

Veronika Matiušovaitė, a fifth-year law student at VMU, believes that critical thinking and analytical skills are vital qualities for a modern lawyer. Aurelia Mari observes that the younger generation is smart and knowledgeable about technology, but human interaction remains a crucial part of the job, especially when collaborating with colleagues from different countries and cultures.

By embracing this interdisciplinary approach, aspiring lawyers can unlock a wealth of career opportunities in Lithuania and across Europe. The market requires professionals with interdisciplinary knowledge to ensure success in the rapidly growing financial sector. Aspiring lawyers should not be afraid of making mistakes and should be able to take responsibility. Legal and financial knowledge is crucial, but soft skills are equally important for jobs at institutions like the EPPO, European Commission, or European Court of Justice.

Financial competence crucial for contemporary lawyers, as demonstrated by Lithuania's legal sector transitioning from courtrooms to FinTech.