The legal profession, notably the field of tax law, is an ever-evolving landscape, influenced by a multitude of external factors including socio-economic conditions, regulatory changes, technological advancements, and global events. A deep understanding of these variables and an ability to anticipate potential shifts is critical for both practitioners and scholars in the field. Here, we delve into the future of tax law, analyzing predictions and examining emerging trends in the legal industry.

One of the key drivers shaping the future of tax law is the rapid pace of technological innovation. The advent and proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, big data analytics, and blockchain technology are redefining the traditional landscape of tax law practice.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are already being employed in tax law to automate repetitive tasks, such as data entry and document review, thereby reducing the risk of human error and increasing efficiency. Moreover, predictive algorithms can assist tax lawyers in forecasting potential legal outcomes, which can be invaluable in advising clients and making strategic decisions. Yet, the integration of such technology is not devoid of trade-offs. Concerns have been raised regarding the opacity of algorithmic decision-making processes, leading to the 'black box' problem, a term denoting the lack of transparency and accountability in AI systems.

Simultaneously, big data analytics is providing an innovative approach to interpret, analyze, and apply voluminous data generated from various sources. This ability to scrutinize unseen patterns, correlations, and insights from complex datasets can significantly enhance tax law practice by providing a more comprehensive understanding of taxpayer behavior, tax evasion risks, and effective compliance strategies.

The blockchain technology, renowned for its decentralization, immutability, and transparency offers potential implications for tax law as well. As a distributed ledger system, it could facilitate real-time tax collection and enforcement, reducing the time-lag in taxation processes. However, the anonymous nature of blockchain transactions poses challenges for tax authorities, particularly in relation to tax evasion and money laundering.

Global events, like the recent COVID-19 pandemic, have also significantly impacted tax law. Governments worldwide have introduced various relief measures, like tax deferrals and credits, to mitigate the financial distress caused by the pandemic. These measures have necessitated rapid adaptations on the part of tax lawyers, highlighting the importance of agility and adaptability in the profession.

Looking forward, it is likely that the trend of digital taxation will continue to grow. In a world increasingly characterized by digital commerce, cross-border transactions, and virtual assets, tax laws will have to evolve to keep pace. Issues such as the taxation of digital services, cryptocurrencies, and the digital economy more broadly, will come to the forefront of tax law practice.

Furthermore, tax law will likely become more intertwined with other sectors and disciplines. Given the increasing complexity of economic activities and the corresponding complexity of tax evasion strategies, tax law will require a more multidisciplinary approach. Insights from fields such as behavioral economics, financial technology, and data science will become even more valuable in informing tax law and policy.

In conclusion, the future of tax law will be largely influenced by technological advancements, global events, and the increasing complexity of economic activities. For practitioners and scholars in the field, it will be imperative to stay abreast of these changes, adapt and innovate accordingly. The legal profession is not immune to the winds of change, and those who can harness these winds will undoubtedly shape the future of tax law.