If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

Priya, a bright and ambitious law graduate from a well-regarded university in Jodhpur, found herself at a career crossroads. While many of her peers were preparing for judicial services or joining traditional law firms, Priya was fascinated by the intersection of law and technology. The burgeoning field of Legal Tech, with its promise of innovation and efficiency, seemed like the perfect fit. However, the path was unclear. She felt overwhelmed, wondering where to start, what skills to acquire, and how to find opportunities. Her specific interest in Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) led her to search for certifications that would give her an edge, but she needed a clear roadmap. This guide is for young graduates like Priya who are looking to forge a successful career in the exciting domain of Legal Tech in India.

Advice in such cases

Embarking on a career in a niche and evolving field like Legal Tech requires a strategic approach. Here are some essential steps to guide you:

• Upskill Continuously: The legal tech space is dynamic. Beyond your law degree, focus on acquiring skills in project management, data analysis, and understanding software development cycles. Familiarize yourself with legal tech tools for e-discovery, contract management, and legal research.
• Network Strategically: Connect with professionals already working in Legal Tech. Use professional networking platforms, attend webinars, and join industry-specific groups. Informational interviews can provide invaluable insights into the roles and companies that align with your interests.
• Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships or freelance projects with legal tech companies, LPOs (Legal Process Outsourcing units), or the technology and innovation teams within large law firms. Practical exposure is often more valuable than theoretical knowledge.
• Build a Portfolio: Document your projects, even academic ones, that showcase your ability to apply technology to solve legal problems. This could include creating automated document templates or analyzing a dataset for a mock case.
• Stay Informed: Follow leading legal tech blogs, news portals, and thought leaders in India and globally. Understanding the trends, challenges, and key players is crucial for navigating your career and acing interviews.

Applicable Sections of Law

While there isn’t a single “Legal Tech Act,” a professional in this field must be well-versed in several key areas of Indian law that govern technology and commerce. Your value comes from understanding how technology interacts with these legal frameworks:

• The Indian Contract Act, 1872: This is fundamental, especially if you are interested in Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM). You need to understand the essentials of a valid contract, breach, and remedies to help design or manage CLM systems effectively.
• The Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act): This Act is the cornerstone of cyber law in India. It provides legal recognition for electronic documents, digital signatures, and electronic transactions. A thorough understanding is essential for anyone working with digital legal processes.
• The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act): As legal tech solutions often handle vast amounts of personal and sensitive data, compliance with the DPDP Act is non-negotiable. Professionals must understand the principles of data processing, consent, data principal rights, and the obligations of data fiduciaries.
• Intellectual Property Laws: The Copyright Act and the Patents Act are relevant when dealing with the software and proprietary processes that form the backbone of legal tech products.

If you are the complainant

In this context, consider yourself the “complainant” or protagonist in your career journey, actively seeking the right path. Here’s how to proceed proactively:

• Define Your Niche: Legal Tech is broad. Are you interested in e-discovery, CLM, legal analytics, AI in law, or RegTech (Regulatory Technology)? Research each area to find what excites you the most. A clear focus makes your job search and skill development more effective.
• Develop a Targeted CV: Tailor your resume for each application. Highlight projects, coursework, and skills relevant to the specific legal tech role. A generic CV is unlikely to stand out.
• Prepare for a Different Kind of Interview: Legal tech interviews often include case studies or problem-solving exercises. They test not just your legal knowledge but also your logical reasoning, process-oriented thinking, and comfort with technology.
• Consult with a Mentor/Senior Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is to talk to a mentor or a senior advocate with experience in the corporate or tech law space. You should not hesitate in paying for their time or for a career coaching session, which might range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000 depending on the expert. They are helping you navigate a situation and come out ahead. They are experts in the domain and can help you understand the professional landscape which you might have never explored. A good mentor can help you get your career on track much faster than you think.

If you are the victim

If you feel like a “victim” of circumstance—confused, unemployed, or overwhelmed by the options—it’s time to take control. Here are common challenges and how to overcome them:

• Feeling Underqualified: It’s common for fresh graduates to feel they lack the technical skills. Start with free online courses on legal technology, project management basics, or data analytics to build confidence and add keywords to your CV.
• Facing Rejection: The job market is competitive. Treat every rejection as a learning opportunity. If possible, ask for feedback. Was it a skill gap? Was your interview performance lacking? Use this information to improve.
• Lack of Clear Career Path: Unlike traditional law, the hierarchy in legal tech isn’t always linear. Embrace this flexibility. Your career might evolve from a legal operations analyst to a product manager or a legal tech consultant. Focus on acquiring transferable skills.
• The “Tech” Barrier: Many law graduates fear they need to be coders. While coding skills are a plus, they are not mandatory for most roles. The key is to be tech-savvy—comfortable learning new software, understanding technical jargon, and being able to communicate effectively with tech teams.

How the police behave in such cases

In the context of a job search, the “police” or gatekeepers are the recruiters and hiring managers. Understanding their behaviour is key to a successful outcome:

• They Look for a Hybrid Skillset: Recruiters in this space are not just looking for a good lawyer; they are looking for a problem-solver who understands processes. They value candidates who can bridge the gap between legal and tech teams.
• Practical Skills are Weighed Heavily: Your ability to demonstrate practical application of your skills will set you apart. During interviews, talk about how you would improve a specific legal process using technology.
• Cultural Fit Matters: Legal tech companies are often run like tech startups, with a fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative culture. Hiring managers look for candidates who are adaptable, proactive, and eager to learn.
• They Verify Your Interest: A generic interest in “legal tech” is not enough. Be prepared to discuss specific companies, products, and trends in the industry. This shows you have done your homework and are genuinely passionate about the field.

FAQs people normally have

Here are some frequently asked questions from law graduates exploring a career in legal tech:

• Do I need to learn how to code?
  For most roles, no. However, understanding basic concepts of how software works and being able to speak the language of developers is a significant advantage. Roles like “Legal Engineer” may require coding skills.
• What is a typical starting salary in Legal Tech in India?
  Salaries can vary widely based on the company, location, and specific role. For a fresh graduate in a major city like Bengaluru or Mumbai, starting salaries can range from ₹6 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per annum, potentially higher for candidates from top-tier law schools with relevant internships.
• What kind of roles are available for freshers?
  Entry-level roles include Legal Operations Analyst, Legal Technologist, Contract Specialist (with a tech focus), E-discovery Analyst, and Legal Product Analyst.
• Is a master’s degree (LL.M.) in tech law necessary?
  While an LL.M. can provide specialized knowledge, it is not a prerequisite. Practical experience, certifications, and a demonstrated passion for the field are often valued more by employers.

What evidence is required?

To succeed, you need to provide “evidence” of your capabilities. This isn’t for a court, but for potential employers. Your evidence includes:

• A Strong Resume: Clearly outlining your legal education, internships, and any tech-related skills or projects.
• Skill-Based Certifications: This directly addresses the query about Contract Lifecycle Management. Look for CLM certifications from reputable industry bodies or ed-tech platforms that focus on legal technology. A good certification will cover both the legal principles and the practical software application of CLM. Other valuable certifications include project management (like CAPM) or data privacy (like CIPP).
• A Professional Online Presence: A well-maintained LinkedIn profile that reflects your interest and expertise in legal tech is crucial. Share articles, comment on industry posts, and connect with people in the field.
• Knowledge and Passion: The best evidence is your ability to talk intelligently about legal tech during an interview. Be prepared to discuss recent trends, a legal tech tool you admire, or how you would solve a particular problem with technology.

How long will the investigation take?

Building a rewarding career in legal tech is not an overnight process; think of it as a long-term “investigation” into your own professional growth. Here is a realistic timeline:

• First 6 Months (The Search): This period is for focused learning, networking, and applying for jobs. It may take several months to land your first role. Be persistent.
• Years 1-3 (The Foundation): Your first role is about absorbing as much as you can. You will learn about the business, the technology, and how to apply your legal skills in a new context. Focus on becoming an expert in your specific domain.
• Years 3-5 (The Growth): With a solid foundation, you can start to take on more responsibility, lead projects, or specialize further. This is when you can transition into more senior roles like Product Manager, Legal Operations Manager, or Senior Legal Technologist.

The field of legal tech offers immense opportunities for those who are willing to learn, adapt, and innovate. By taking a structured approach, you can successfully navigate this exciting career path.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India