An updated version of the Lawtech Fundamentals programme has been launched, designed to attract greater interest in the rapidly evolving lawtech sector. Originally released in July 2023, this expanded initiative now offers more insights from successful lawtech founders, aiming to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and legal tech enthusiasts with essential knowledge.
The programme, which is free and supported by the Ministry of Justice, is part of the LawtechUK initiative that seeks to drive the digital transformation of the legal sector in the UK. Participants can engage in a flexible learning experience online, with seven modules available for completion at their own pace. This structure is designed to accommodate a wide range of individuals, from those starting their own lawtech ventures to professionals looking to enhance their understanding of the sector.
Key topics covered in Lawtech Fundamentals include ideation, skill acquisition, teamwork, and building a positive culture in a startup environment. The programme aims to empower individuals at any stage of their lawtech journey, providing valuable insights and resources to help companies thrive in this dynamic industry.
Ross McNairn, CEO of Wordsmith AI, is among the lawtech founders contributing to the updated programme. He expressed enthusiasm about the current landscape of lawtech, stating, “Now is a great time to lean into lawtech: there is an incredible appetite in the legal profession.” McNairn noted that lawyers are increasingly open to embracing AI technology, a significant shift that he believes will transform legal work in the coming years. However, he cautioned that this growth potential is accompanied by challenges such as finding the right product-market fit and understanding when to collaborate, which the Lawtech Fundamentals Programme addresses.
The updated modules include guest-authored lessons from LawtechUK panel members Maya Markovich and Katie Atkinson. Markovich focuses on innovations aimed at addressing unmet legal needs, highlighting the potential of “justice tech” to enhance access to justice. She emphasised the importance of building ethical technology tools and the need for impactful solutions in this growing sector.
Atkinson discusses the role of AI in legal technology, outlining both the opportunities for deployment in real-world tasks and the technical challenges that remain. She believes that understanding AI’s journey from research to practical application is crucial for lawtech innovators.
Previous participants in the programme have praised its content, noting that it provides a valuable introduction to the intersection of law and technology. Feedback includes comments on its ability to inspire entrepreneurial thinking and provide insights into the mindset of lawtech founders.
The programme’s accessibility is a significant highlight, offering participants exclusive access to various resources, including engaging content, video interviews with lawtech founders, and reflective exercises to reinforce learning.
Lawtech Fundamentals caters to a diverse audience, including legal professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and individuals interested in the legal sector’s innovation landscape. With its comprehensive approach to teaching key areas of lawtech, the programme offers an exciting opportunity for anyone keen to embark on their lawtech journey.
Aspiring participants are encouraged to enrol in the Lawtech Fundamentals programme by visiting the official website at LawtechUK.