I Got Hired: Legal Technologist

Posted on: 28 November 2022 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Hollie Clarke is University of Liverpool Law graduate who now works as a Legal Technologist at Addleshaw Goddard LLP.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE ROLE?

It was actually my university lecturer Jeremy Marshall who shared AG's new Innovation and Legal Technology Graduate Scheme on LinkedIn. Jeremy had taught my favorite module, 'AI and the Future of Legal Services', which is my interest in LegalTech really flourished from. When he shared the graduate scheme opportunity, I knew I had to apply!

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

Getting to where I am now has been quite the journey! Law students can probably relate that at times it is easy to believe that the only routes into a legal career are becoming either a solicitor or a barrister. Although I loved studying for my degree, I always doubted whether I would enjoy a career in legal practice. After I graduated, I started a role at a Conveyancing firm as a Trainee Conveyancer to gain experience – but I didn’t enjoy the work I was doing, so I left.

My favourite module at University had been a Legal Technology-focused module, which explored topics such as innovation, machine learning and legal design. This experience paved the way for me to think about my legal career through a different lens and explore alternative careers in law. A few months later, I applied for AG’s Innovation and Legal Technology Graduate scheme which included a written application, some tests/written exercises and finally an assessment centre. In November 2021 I joined the fantastic Innovation and Legal Technology (ILT) Team at AG, and haven’t looked back. I think I learned the hard way that it is critical to be honest with yourself to land a role you truly enjoy - but it was definitely worth it!

YOUR FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE AS PART OF YOUR ROLE?

My favourite experience so far at AG has been attending the recent assessment centre that the ILT Team held for the next cohort of incoming graduates.

I attended the networking portion of the assessment day, so I had the opportunity to speak to some fantastic students and graduates who were tremendously passionate about Legal Technology and Innovation. It was also brilliant to see all my colleagues in-person, as the ILT Team is spread across AG’s London, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow offices, but most of the team travelled to Manchester for the assessment day. I left feeling ecstatic about the future of the ever-growing ILT Team at AG, and to be welcoming new Legal Technologists onto the Graduate Scheme this September!

THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR GRADUATE JOURNEY?

The most challenging part of my graduate journey so far was, well… graduating. As much as I was excited to graduate and complete my studies, I also felt unsettled by the prospect. I was going from my comfortable (or "known") university routine of studying and working part-time, into an uncertain future ("the unknown"). I graduated in 2021 during the pandemic whilst Covid-19 restrictions were still in place, which also made me a little anxious about the future.

Thankfully, I had a fantastic support system around me including friends, family, lecturers and my peers who also shared similar concerns. Who said breakout rooms couldn’t also be group therapy?

TOP THREE TIPS FOR OTHER STUDENTS?

To expand on the above, my first tip for current students and graduates is that if you have doubts about whether your chosen field or career is really what you want, listen to yourself. Try to get some experience so you can make an informed decision. Keep an open mind about possible alternative career paths. It is never too late to change your mind!

My second tip is that if you are feeling uneasy or anxious about graduating and entering the unknown, whether you have a graduate role awaiting you or not – reach out to your peers. Many of them will have similar concerns and you may find comfort in knowing that you are not alone.

My final tip would be to take full advantage of the Careers and Employability services and other resources available at the University of Liverpool. Many of the achievements and experiences I have on my CV were put in front of me by Careers and Employability at Liverpool. I had lots of fun experiences such as gaining experience at the Law Clinic and participating in the annual Negotiation Competition. These experiences were invaluable so make the most of them whilst you can!