Lawyers who advise clients on “smart contracts” drawing on blockchain technology say some potential adopters liken them to a “magic pill” that will provide a cure to all their contract-related headaches.

But as “smart contracts” become more common in more sectors of the economy, lawyers will need to increase their technical know-how and renew their focus on counseling clients instead of ministerial work, according to specialists in this fast-evolving field.

While expectations should be tempered, experts said adoption of the new technology will bring changes to the practice of law.