Which role, competences, and ethical mind-set should legal professionals have in order to contribute meaningfully to the challenges of contemporary societies? How should universities prepare students for their future roles as lawyers, judges, or legal scholars?In this inaugural lecture, Elaine Mak traces the emergence of the image of the T-shaped lawyer, which has become prominent in current debates in law schools and legal practice. She demonstrates how organisational demands - relating to new public management - and societal demands - relating to digitalisation and globalisation - have prompted the emphasis on technological awareness, interdisciplinary skills, and social responsiveness of legal professionals. Based on a critical analysis, Mak argues that contemporary legal education should encompass three main elements: space for differentiation (societies need generalists, specialists, and interdisciplinary legal professionals); 'Bildung' to develop a perceptive and critical view on the legal professional's role; and training aimed at handling professional ethical dilemmas.This lecture is relevant for legal professionals, students, university teachers and managers, and a broader audience interested in developments regarding professionalism and higher education.