What do you do now and what do you enjoy about it?
I’m currently the Global Head of Legal Technology & Innovation at Bird & Bird, based in the firm’s Frankfurt office in Germany. My role involves driving the legal tech innovation agenda to ensure its successful implementation and I am responsible for developing a clear vision for how we continue to use legal technology within the firm and with clients in line with the firm’s global strategy.
My new role at Bird & Bird allows me to stay abreast of technological developments and legal trends, to bridge gaps, increase efficiency and drive innovation in an industry that traditionally relies on rigorous processes. Being a part of a tech-driven law firm, also allows me to work with a fantastic group of professionals and see how tech transforms traditional legal practices, making them more agile and responsive to the world’s demands. It is incredibly rewarding.
How did you get to where you are today?
My journey in legal tech has been varied. Before studying Multimedia Engineering at University, I started my career by working in a law firm in Portugal, which provided me with a comprehensive understanding of various business sectors with a focus on technology.
Whilst working at the firm, I simultaneously pursued my studies, with a particular emphasis on leadership, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, governance, and innovation.
When I was invited to move to Germany, I joined a new team which were responsible for developing digital and IT projects globally. During my time there, I had the chance to participate in and lead several prominent business and technology transformations. As a result, both the team and the firm experienced significant growth during this period.
I then joined one of the Big 4, where I guided the implementation process of new Low-Code software solutions which had a huge impact on the future of app development in the legal market. Since October 2023, I have been working at international law firm Bird & Bird, helping our people and organisations being changed by the digital world.
Throughout my career, I have focused on growth, innovation, and helping others understand the potential of technology in the legal sector. I’m passionate about technology and digital business that facilitates people’s lives, from the new digital experiences and solutions to new ways to perform tasks as part of our day to day lives and our work.
As I continue this journey, I’m excited about a future where lawyers are empowered by technology, combining it with emotional intelligence and a future where the legal industry embraces change to better serve its clients.
Legal technology is not a threat to the future of lawyers; instead, it can improve their current work in a big way. Automation of repetitive tasks, access to extensive data and insights, and improved client service are just a few of the advantages of legal technology. However, a lawyer’s human skills and judgment cannot be replaced by technology, and they will still need to apply creativity, ethics and empathy to their work.
What tips would you give to anyone interested in pursuing a similar career?
The road ahead is promising, and for those interested in pursuing a career in legal tech, it is important to gain as much knowledge of the legal industry as possible and develop key technical skills.
Legal tech is a niche field that requires a vast understanding of the legal industry. Reading legal publications, attending conferences, and networking with legal professionals is a good start. However, legal tech is also a highly technical field that requires proficiency in programming languages, data analysis, and software development.
To succeed in legal tech, you need to have a passion for technology, a strong understanding of the legal industry, and a persistent attitude to achieving goals.
Helder Santos