How can I get into Legal Tech?

Legal Tech refers to the use of technology to streamline and improve legal services. This can include everything from document management and e-discovery tools to online dispute resolution platforms and AI-powered legal research/simplification tools.

1. The legal tech industry in the UK offers a wide range of job opportunities for both law and non-law students. Here are some examples :
   1. Legal Analyst: working on the front lines of legal tech, analysing data and developing algorithms that help automate legal processes.  Many work for law firms, in-house legal departments, or legal tech companies.
   2. Legal Technologist: Experts in legal technology, advising law firms and legal departments on how to use technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs. They may also work for legal tech companies, helping to develop and market new legal tech solutions.
   3. Legal Project Manager: Oversees the delivery of legal services, using technology to help manage legal projects and workflows. They work closely with lawyers and other legal professionals to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
   4. Legal Operations Manager: Legal operations managers are responsible for managing the business operations of law firms and legal departments. They may work on strategic planning, financial management, human resources, and other aspects of legal business operations.
   5. Legal Data Analyst: Legal data analysts analyse large sets of legal data, such as case law or regulatory data, to identify trends and insights that can help lawyers and legal professionals make better decisions. They may also develop predictive analytics models to help lawyers anticipate legal outcomes.
   6. Legal Content Writer: Creates content for legal tech companies, law firms, and legal departments. They may write blog posts, articles, whitepapers, and other types of content to help educate others about legal technology and the impact it is having on the legal industry.

1. While having STEM qualifications can be beneficial for certain roles within legal tech, it is not a strict requirement for all positions. Legal tech encompasses a wide range of roles that require a combination of legal knowledge and technological skills. Let’s look at some numbers to understand the landscape:
   1. Legal Background: Many legal tech roles, such as legal analysts, legal project managers, and legal operations managers, prioritize candidates with a strong understanding of legal principles and processes. According to a survey conducted by Legal Geek in 2020, around 53% of legal tech professionals had a legal background.
   2. Technology Background: While a legal background is important, technological skills are also valuable in legal tech. According to the same Legal Geek survey, approximately 37% of legal tech professionals had a background in technology, computer science, or engineering.
   3. Hybrid Skills: The demand for individuals with both legal and technological expertise is increasing. Employers often seek candidates who possess a blend of legal knowledge and technological skills. This allows them to bridge the gap between legal requirements and the implementation of technology. The Legal Geek survey found that about 10% of legal tech professionals had a background in both law and technology. While having a STEM qualification can be advantageous for certain roles within legal tech, it is not an absolute requirement. There are numerous opportunities for individuals with a legal background to contribute to the legal tech industry, leveraging their expertise in combination with the technological skills of others on the team. Additionally, as legal tech continues to evolve, there is growing recognition of the need for interdisciplinary teams comprising individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets.
2. Ultimately, the specific requirements for each legal tech job may vary depending on the organisation and the nature of the role. It’s essential to carefully review job descriptions and qualifications to determine the specific skill sets and qualifications sought by employers in the legal tech field.

Companies use various types of legal tech to streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and enhance legal services. Here are some common examples of legal tech solutions used by companies:

• Contract Management Systems: Contract management software enables companies to store, manage, and track their contracts electronically. These systems often include features such as contract drafting, version control, automated workflows, and contract analytics. Examples of contract management software include DocuSign, Concord, and Icertis.
• E-Discovery Tools: E-discovery software helps companies efficiently process and review large volumes of electronic data for legal matters, such as litigation or investigations. These tools can identify relevant documents, facilitate document review, and provide advanced analytics. Popular e-discovery solutions include Relativity, kCura, and Everlaw.
• Legal Research Platforms: Legal research tools provide access to extensive databases of legal cases, statutes, regulations, and secondary legal materials. These platforms assist legal professionals in conducting comprehensive and efficient legal research. Examples include Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law.
• Document Automation Software: Document automation tools enable companies to automate the creation and generation of legal documents. These solutions use templates and dynamic fields to populate information and generate accurate and consistent documents. Some popular document automation platforms are HotDocs, Contract Express, and DocuSign Gen.
• Intellectual Property Management Systems: Intellectual property (IP) management software helps companies manage their IP portfolios, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and licenses. These tools facilitate IP filings, portfolio tracking, and renewal management. Examples include Anaqua, CPA Global, and Dennemeyer.
• Legal Project Management Tools: Legal project management software assists companies in planning, tracking, and managing legal projects effectively. These tools often include features like task management, budget tracking, resource allocation, and collaboration capabilities. Examples of legal project management solutions are Clio, Monday.com, and Teamwork.
• Compliance and Regulatory Solutions: Compliance software helps companies adhere to regulatory requirements, manage compliance processes, and mitigate risks. These solutions can automate compliance tasks, track policy adherence, and provide reporting functionalities. Examples include Compliance.ai, LogicGate, and NAVEX Global.
• Data Analytics and AI Tools: Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are used to extract insights from legal data, identify patterns, predict outcomes, and improve decision-making. These tools can assist in legal research, contract analysis, due diligence, and litigation support. Examples include Kira Systems, Neota Logic, and Luminance.
• These are just a few examples of legal tech solutions used by companies. The specific tools adopted may vary depending on the industry, company size, and specific legal needs. Companies need to assess their requirements and select the most appropriate legal tech solutions that align with their goals and workflows.

1. Yes, you can work in a legal tech role! Here are some steps you can take to pursue a career in legal tech:
   1. Gain Legal Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with legal concepts and principles by pursuing legal education. If you’re a law student or graduate, you already have a solid foundation. If you’re not from a legal background, consider taking online legal courses or certifications to acquire fundamental legal knowledge.
   2. Develop Technological Skills: Enhance your technological skills to navigate the legal tech landscape. Depending on the specific role you’re interested in, you may want to learn about areas such as data analytics, coding, user experience (UX) design, project management, or software development. Online resources, coding boot camps, and tech courses can help you acquire these skills. Now is the time to have some hands-on experience using AI tools! 
   3. Research Legal Tech: Stay informed about the latest trends, tools, and developments in the legal tech industry. Read industry publications, attend legal tech conferences, and join legal tech communities to gain insights and network with professionals already working in the field.
   4. Seek Internships or Entry-Level Positions: Look for internships or entry-level positions in legal tech companies or law firms with a focus on technology. These opportunities can provide hands-on experience and allow you to understand the practical aspects of legal tech. Even if you start in a non-legal tech role within a company, you can gain exposure and gradually transition into a legal tech position.
   5. Build a Portfolio: Develop a portfolio showcasing your legal tech skills and projects. This could include examples of legal tech solutions you’ve worked on, case studies, or personal projects that demonstrate your abilities. A portfolio can be invaluable when applying for legal tech roles, as it highlights your practical experience and capabilities.
   6. Networking and Collaboration: Engage with professionals in the legal tech field through networking events, online forums, and social media platforms. Connect with individuals working in legal tech companies, legal departments, or legal innovation hubs. Collaborating on projects or contributing to open-source legal tech initiatives can also help you establish connections and gain visibility.
   7. Continuous Learning: Legal tech is a rapidly evolving field, so it’s essential to stay updated on new technologies and advancements. Participate in webinars, attend workshops, or enroll in specialiszed legal tech programs to enhance your knowledge and keep up with industry trends.
2. Law firms such as Allen and Overy and Clifford Chance offer graduate roles in legal tech.

Here are a few companies to look out for when searching for legal roles:

• SeedLegals
• LegalGeek
• Robin AI
• Clio
• LexisNexis
• BloombergLaw
• Luminance
• Capacity