What skill do you think is most important for future graduates to have?
Problem Solving. Whether you are working on a client project or supporting fee earners with legal tech queries, being able to think outside the box and solve arising problems is a fundamental skill.
What is your favourite part of the job?
My favourite part of the job is working on projects associated with our different legal technology tools and being able to collaborate internally with fee earners and externally, with our contacts at the vendors. Our legal technology tools are so diverse which keeps my role really engaging, and I am always learning new things every day.
Describe a typical day in your role in 5 words.
Diverse, Collaborative, Technical, Bundledocs, HighQ (realistic version)
Technical, Interesting, Collaborative, Diverse, Fun
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
My proudest accomplishment from the graduate scheme was being awarded "Players' Best Team Player" at our recent away day as voted by my colleagues. We have an amazing team, so it was a real privilege being awarded this and was a great way to round off the graduate scheme.
What made you decide to join the Innovation and Legal Technology Team (part of the Innovation Group) at Addleshaw Goddard?
I studied Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship at university and found that there weren't many job opportunities in this space beyond university. I was pointed in the direction of AG's Innovation Graduate Scheme by a friend and thought that this would be the perfect place to build upon the knowledge and skills gained from my degree but in the legal setting which was new and exciting to me.
What was the best thing you ate from the office kitchen?
The Manchester office kitchen does amazing food, but my absolute favourite is the breakfast burrito. I have it every Wednesday and it never disappoints.
If you could switch desks with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Within ILT: James Tapscott – James is a Senior Manager based in Dubai and I think it would be amazing to experience a different culture, country and office whilst still working in the Innovation and Legal Technology Team.
Outwit the firm: Gary Neville – I think the challenge of juggling running numerous businesses including a football team, alongside being a Dragon, football pundit and commentator would be an insane challenge but would be really interesting for a day.
What skill do you think is most important for future graduates to have?
I think the one of the most important skills for future graduate is the ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions. Creativity is essential for staying ahead in an industry like legal tech which is constantly changing.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Currently, my favourite aspect of the job involves researching Generative AI tools and features emerging in the market. I have actively participated in testing and constructing legal use cases for some popular Large Language Models (LLMs), adding a particularly fascinating dimension to my work.
Describe a typical day in your role in 5 words.
Collaborative, HighQ, Dynamic, Varied, Teams-Chat.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
The accomplishment I am most proud of is receiving the AG Excellence Award for hosting a panel event on the impact of allyship on career development and growth. During the event, panellists explored the importance of allyship and shared their valuable experiences and insights into overcoming barriers to foster a more inclusive legal landscape.
What made you decide to join the Innovation and Legal Technology Team (part of the Innovation Group) at Addleshaw Goddard?
Having studied Law at university, I knew I wanted a career in the legal profession, but I did not want to go down the traditional route of becoming a solicitor or barrister. On a work trip to Singapore at my previous job, a chance encounter with an individual in the legal technology sector sparked a 13-hour plane conversation that ignited my interest. Subsequently, I delved into researching legal technology roles and my curiosity led me to reach out to Jasmine and Fergus, who were legal technologists on the graduate scheme at the time, on LinkedIn for insights. After engaging in conversation with them, I was convinced that AG was the ideal place to commence my career in legal technology.
What was the best thing you ate from the office kitchen?
The best thing I’ve had from the office kitchen is the jerk chicken and rice that was served by the in-house chefs during a celebration of Black History Month.
If you could switch desks with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Within Innovation Group: Kerry Westland – Kerry is the Head of Innovation Group and is responsible for driving the use of technology and developing solutions to deliver a wide range of legal work across the firm. I would love the opportunity to have a sneak peek at all the exciting things Kerry has planned for our group in the near future.
Within the firm: Carolene Ayaka - Carolene is an Inclusion manager who works with a wider team and specifically manages Ethnicity and Gender at AG. As co-chair of AG Embrace in Manchester, I am an ally and passionate advocate for diversity and equality and therefore would love to switch desks with Carolene to work more closely with inclusion team at AG.
