how to become a technology lawyer

by Darrin Wolff DDS 10 min read

So, You Want To Be A Tech Lawyer?

  • Become a tech specialist in your practice. “Tech lawyers” exist in every specialty. ...
  • Get the information and training you need to serve a tech-centric world. Cornell Tech LL.M. ...
  • Track your progress like no one is watching. Keep a master list of everything you do no matter how small. ...

Here's how to position yourself to work as a lawyer in the high-tech industry:
  1. Get an undergraduate degree in a STEM field. The practice of law revolves around the flow of information. ...
  2. Choose a tech-friendly law school. ...
  3. Understand your career choices. ...
  4. Practice skills required by tech companies.
Sep 26, 2018

Full Answer

What is a technology lawyer?

EH: Take intellectual property law classes at law school (e.g. patent law, copyright law, trademark law, etc.) and read about technology and trends including how some of the new technologies we are seeing, like artificial intelligence, machine learning and the Internet of Things are creating challenges in different areas of intellectual property law.

How to become an information technology lawyer?

Aug 27, 2007 · That tedious catch-22 applies with special force to technology law because so many people want in. But whether you're a lawyer, law student, or paralegal, you can break in, and not just by joining a global law firm. The gate to the tech law kingdom has two keys: (1) knowledge of the legal subject matter, which probably isn't what you think, and ...

Why choose a career in technology law?

Technology law is the body of law that governs the use of technology. It is an area of law that oversees both public and private use of technology. The practice of technology law can mean a lot of different things depending on whether the attorney works for the government or works in private industry. Technology […]

What can you do with a law Tech degree?

Jan 27, 2020 · How to Become a Tech Lawyer The one thing that makes being a tech lawyer exciting and challenging is that the field is continuously evolving and changing. You need to stay on your toes if you go this route in your legal career. Understand Your Strengths as an Attorney You don’t need to be a computer scientist to be a tech lawyer.

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What does it mean to be a tech lawyer?

A technology lawyer is a lawyer who has a deep understanding of legal and technological concepts, and more importantly the ability to connect both fields. The company's Chief Technology Officer will understand the tech behind the digital solution. Lawyers understand the contract.May 28, 2021

What does a lawyer do in a tech company?

A technology lawyer is an attorney who works in the areas of law relating to protecting a person or company's ideas, marketing schema, compositions, and right to use all three. Ordinarily these ideas, marketing schema and compositions are being used or will be used in a business for profit.

Can you work in tech with a law degree?

“Advances in technology mean law graduates have new opportunities to specialise in areas like intellectual property, privacy, and software and business method patents,” says Lindsy McGowan, senior manager at Hays Legal.Nov 26, 2014

What do Fintech lawyers do?

More specifically, a Fintech lawyer will be expected to provide regulatory advice on the evolving legislature framework and the related compliance requirements, expertise on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, or e-transactions and payment services.

What does technology law involve?

What is involved in technology law. We help clients with complex technology matters, such as software licensing agreements and telecoms contracts, which means that we have to have detailed industry and technical knowledge.

Why you need a technology lawyer?

Technology contract, fintech regulation, cyber offences, data privacy, IP issues related to the internet has emerged as the most important areas of work for technology lawyers. ... You can expect that technology lawyers will be an envied species by the time we are done with this decade.Jan 10, 2020

What kind of technology is needed or used for lawyers?

Scanners. The ability to digitize documents is essential for lawyers in 2022, so a scanner (or scanner app on your phone) is key. From legal documents to expense receipts, lawyers deal with papers and documents daily that they need to easily and access on demand, from anywhere.Feb 7, 2022

What does LLB stand for?

Bachelor of LawsThe LLB is an abbreviation of the Latin 'Legum Baccalaureus' which translates to a Bachelor of Laws degree.

What are good A levels for law?

Many law students take at least one 'facilitating' subject such as a foreign language, maths, science, English, history or geography, which are deemed as good choices for students who want to keep their degree options flexible.Nov 18, 2021

What is Clifford Chance ignite?

Clifford Chance IGNITE, a pioneering Training Contract which offers applicants with an aptitude for Tech a route to qualify as lawyers.

Who is a Fintech lawyer?

Fintech Law is the regulatory ecosystem and legal framework governing the multi-trillion-dollar financial technologies (fintech) sector. Fintech Law comprises 100+ laws and multiple regulators, tribunals, enforcement agencies, pooled investment schemes, and intermediaries.Dec 15, 2020

What is a blockchain lawyer?

Los Angeles Blockchain and Digital Cryptocurrency Lawyers An experienced blockchain and digital cryptocurrency lawyer can help your company avoid liability, investor lawsuits, and regulatory and administrative action and sanctions when engaging in digital currency transactions.

What is legal Fintech?

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) identified eight areas that actually constitute what is currently called “Fintech.” Such areas are payments, insurance, planning, trading and investments, blockchain, lending/crowdfunding, data and analytics, and security.Feb 26, 2019

Is Technology Law in demand?

Technology law is perhaps the hottest, most in-demand branch of the legal profession today.Sep 20, 2019

Does technology double every year?

Moore's Law states that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles about every two years, though the cost of computers is halved.

What is the law that says technology doubles?

Definition. Moore's law is a term used to refer to the observation made by Gordon Moore in 1965 that the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit (IC) doubles about every two years.Jun 30, 2021

What is a tech lawyer?

There’s not one answer to what a “tech lawyer” is. There are data privacy lawyers, tech transactions lawyers, IP specialists, corporate or in-house lawyers working with high-growth startups, product counsel, employment lawyers navigating a newly remote workplace, digital media lawyers, legal technologists using new tools to enhance legal practice, ...

How to become a tech?

Get the information and training you need to serve a tech-centric world 1 Comb the internet for free, reputable sources of practicums, lectures, etc. in areas of interest. (Check out Cornell Tech’s Digital Life Initiative seminars !) 2 Subscribe to newsletters, feeds, and podcasts, like ATL’s Evolve the Law and Cornell Tech’s “Good Code” podcast . Many law firms also have news feeds featuring top practitioners writing on the latest practice developments. 3 Build your privacy skills. Every client with employees or customers has potential privacy issues, and we are at a historic moment where privacy law is about as complicated as it could possibly be. The US has a fragmented state law system, while the EU has a complex system of its own. To make yourself a strong candidate for privacy lawyer jobs, data privacy CIPP certifications issued by the IAPP are valued by law firms and industry players alike. 4 To really accelerate your capabilities, consider advanced degrees like Cornell Tech’s LLM in Law, Technology & Entrepreneurship which provide a deep dive into technology law.

Is due diligence an investment?

You may have to spend days on due diligence or other projects, but it is an investment that will increase your understanding of the work you hope to do. Consider legal technology. Every law firm is also a client of tech-related services.

Can you run us through a recent tech transactions deal? What was your role on it?

Ajita Shukla, associate: White & Case is current advising a global company in its divestiture of certain assets. The deal consists of a handful of geographically-focused deals that are progressing concurrently. Our team helped manage all of the deal documents, negotiations and issues related to IP and the technology involved.

How has the area developed over the past five years? Have you noticed any recent trends?

NS: Over the past five years, the pace of transactions has drastically increased as tech firms grow their tech activity and non-tech firms make technology investments. This has meant that our tech transactions group has grown significantly in size over the past five years.

What challenges come with the practice?

NS: It is important for us to have a certain standard of technical fluency to deliver the best possible advice to our client. As technology is rapidly changing, keeping abreast of the latest developments can be particularly challenging.

What is the most exciting aspect of being a tech transactions lawyer?

AAH: The fact that technology is often outpacing the law makes tech transactions both challenging and exciting. In many instances, the agreements that tech transactions attorneys draft are not based on forms or precedents, but are drafted anew to address the unique issues and risks associated with new tech.

What personal traits make a good tech transactions lawyer?

ED: It is often assumed that a technological or otherwise science-based background is required to be a tech transactions associate, but that is not the case. Having an interest in technology and intellectual property law, however, is essential because you are committing to a field that requires constant attention to learning new things.

How can students keep up to date and get a head start in the area?

EH: Take intellectual property law classes at law school (e.g.

What opportunities are unique to practicing at White & Case?

AAH: White & Case is a truly global law firm with 44 offices in 30 countries and six continents – and our people represent 109 nationalities and speak 88 languages. Last year, White & Case advised clients from 121 countries on matters in 185 countries. The diversity and global mindset of our people and our work is truly unique.

Why do technology lawyers work?

They work to help their clients understand how to use technology to their best advantage while establishing limits for privacy and free speech. Technology is an industry of change. Technology lawyers have the opportunity to be a part of growth and change. Technology lawyers live and work in all 50 states.

What are the laws of technology?

Federal laws create most technology law in the United States. For private business owners, technology law is commercial law. However, a large part of technology law is national security. Federal laws control what private businesses and even the government itself can do with personal information. Privacy, security and intellectual property rights are all part of federal technology law. Significant federal technology legislation includes the following: 1 Privacy Act of 1974 – Aims to maintain the privacy of an individual impacted by the collection and disbursement of personal information. Congress passed the law as computers grew into popular use in the United States. 2 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 – Creates rules for conducting electronic surveillance. Sets up a secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to hold meetings away from the public record. Congress passed the Act in 1978. 3 1986 Electronic Communication Privacy Act – A law that addresses wiretapping and other communications surveillance. 4 1994 Driver’s Privacy Protection Act – Prohibits state motor vehicle agencies from selling license information to private entities 5 Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 – Allows for sharing personal information between banks, insurers and unaffiliated companies while still requiring security and confidentiality 6 Homeland Security Act of 2002 – Consolidates 22 government agencies into the Department of Homeland Security 7 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act – Requires government agencies to share intelligence in the most convenient format. The Act also created the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board to advise the President in matters of protecting civil liberties

Why are jurisdictional issues important?

When issues arise, clients need to know where to bring their legal claim. The answer is often complex. Jurisdictional issues can make it difficult to investigate and enforce technology rights. Attorneys help their clients navigate these issues. In their work, they may develop new laws and legal precedents as they stretch the limits of technology rights and the enforcement of those rights throughout the world.

What is technology law?

They can also use technology to engage in free speech and communicate with others. The question that technology lawyers have to answer is what the limits are to what people can do with the information of others. Government authority and citizen privacy are two complex issues that are of consequence to everyone. In their work, technology lawyers determine the limits of technology and civil rights.

What is the purpose of the Privacy Act of 1974?

Privacy Act of 1974 – Aims to maintain the privacy of an individual impacted by the collection and disbursement of personal information. Congress passed the law as computers grew into popular use in the United States. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 – Creates rules for conducting electronic surveillance.

What is a tech lawyer?

At the most basic level, a tech lawyer is an attorney that deals with clients who produce or manage technology products and services. This definition means that there is a broad range of tech lawyers spanning across a wide range of industries. You’re a tech lawyer if you work as an attorney for a financial institution and advise ...

What is legal engineer?

Legal Engineers. Legal engineers is another way to refer to tech lawyers. Legal engineers are experts in data governance. They take the complexities around data privacy laws and regulations and work with the IT team to make sure that the company is compliant.

How has technology impacted the industry?

Technology has impacted every industry and each industry is struggling to adapt. For example, the financial and healthcare sectors have their own regulations for data privacy. You could become a specialist within a certain industry. Pharmaceuticals, healthcare, financial, and retail sectors have a need for a tech lawyer.

Which country passed the General Data Protection Regulation?

As governments are becoming more aware of data privacy issues, The General Data Protection Regulation that was passed by the European Union requires that companies that target a European audience comply with the regulation. In the U.S., states are beginning to pass their own data privacy laws and regulations.

Who is Katherine Bishop?

Katherine Bishop is a staff writer for Attorney at Law Magazine. She has been a writer with the publication for more than four years. She also writes for Real Estate Agent Magazine.

What is intellectual property?

Intellectual property is a big area for tech companies. Companies want to have an attorney that will protect their intellectual property from theft and knockoffs drowning the market. Canon just won a lawsuit against counterfeiters selling knockoff batteries on eBay.

What is employment contract law?

Employment and Contracts Law. Tech companies are under a great amount of scrutiny over their hiring practices. These companies often rely on contractors to operate. State governments are contending that many of these contractors are actually employees.

What is SANS certification?

SANS offers certifications and trainings in six areas: cyber defense, industrial control systems, penetration testing, digital forensics and incident management, developer, and management and leadership. This list is not exhaustive.

What is Krebs on Security?

As for cybersecurity news, Krebs on Security provides detailed news coverage on the latest cyber threats, cyber-attacks, and investigative journalism on cyber-related issues.

Popular Information Technology Law Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Information Technology Law Colleges in India. Learn more about these Information Technology Law colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Popular Information Technology Law UG Courses in India

Following are the most popular Information Technology Law UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

Popular Information Technology Law PG Courses in India

Following are the most popular Information Technology Law PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

What is a virtual lawyer?

A virtual lawyer can own their own virtual law firm or work for a firm primarily remotely. Virtual lawyers must have a secure client portal to meet the eLawyering Task Force of the ABA’s concept of a virtual law firm. While the concepts sound similar, there’s a difference between occasionally working remotely as a lawyer and being a virtual lawyer.

What are the benefits of being a virtual lawyer?

The rising popularity of being a virtual lawyer is due to a combination of positive benefits, including:

How do you become a virtual lawyer?

Becoming a virtual lawyer can offer many advantages. But you need to consider more than just how to set up your new law firm workspace. To be successful as a virtual lawyer, you must know the rules, make a plan, and implement it strategically.

1. Know the rules and ethics of being a virtual lawyer

Before you take your law firm virtual, you need to know the applicable rules and ethical considerations.

2. Build a roadmap for becoming a virtual solo practitioner

Becoming a virtual solo practitioner requires many of the same steps as opening a traditional law practice. That’s why it’s important to take the time to plan accordingly—reviewing our guide to starting your own law firm is a good place to start. Here are other steps to consider:

3. Learn how to transition from a traditional law firm

If you already run a traditional law firm and want to transition to a more virtual practice, consider these tips:

How do you service clients as a virtual lawyer?

The benefits of virtual law firms aren’t just for attorneys: Virtual lawyers can help more people in the ways that they want—which means a more exceptional client experience.

What is the first step to becoming a lawyer?

Lawyer Education. A bachelors degree will be your first step. There are pre-law degrees along with online legal studies programs. Or view ABA accredited universities. The State Bar Exam. The bar exam is the next step to become a lawyer. The state bar exam will determine whether a person is qualified to practice law in a geographic jurisdiction.

How much do lawyers make in a year?

As of May 2019, lawyers in the United States averaged $122,960 per year. However, this comfortable salary does not come easily. Becoming a lawyer in any jurisdiction requires years of undergraduate and graduate education, passing challenging examinations, and maintaining licensure through continuing education.

What majors are required for law school?

However, the ABA suggests certain undergraduate majors over others, such as English, history, political science, philosophy, business, or economics.

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Which Practice Areas Fall Within The Technology sector?

  • Michelle Knoop, associate: At Goodwin, we have a broad technology practice that covers everything from day-to-day corporate, employment, intellectual property, and securities work to larger transactions such as financings, tender offers, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, and public company work. We can assist with everything in a technology company’s legal lifecycle. J…
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Does Goodwin Have A Particular Specialism in Any of these?

  • DP: Yes, Goodwin definitely has a focus on the emerging companies practice. We also have specific groups dedicated to Tech M&A and Tech Capital Markets. MK: Goodwin specializes in providing full-service guidance for a technology company through its entire lifecycle. For example, I have a broad practice where I advise companies from pre-formation strategy through formatio…
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CA: How Is Goodwin Keeping Apace with Changes in Technology?

  • MK:Given the breath of the Goodwin platform and the number of deals that Goodwin attorneys handle and number of board meetings that we attend, we are able to see trends emerging ahead of players who have less volume or see a smaller slice of the market. Goodwin devotes significant resources to making sure that once we spot these trends, we provide internal and external educ…
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CA: What Was Your Role on The Latest Deal/Case You Worked on?

  • MK: I usually have anywhere from 10-15 active deals at any given time instead of working on one huge case or deal! However, as an example, I just closed a late-stage financing for a large technology company where I was the primary point of contact for the company through the entire process. I counseled the company on proposed terms and changes, led negotiations on the defi…
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