Want To Be An ‘Accredited Legal Technologist’?

Have you ever wanted to be an Accredited Legal Technologist? Well, now is your chance. The Law Society of Scotland is ‘relaunching’ its scheme that results in you getting an official accreditation and your name added to a public list of legal tech experts.

First launched in 2019, the accreditation ‘gives credibility to people with expertise in the technological field’ said Scotland’s Law Society.

But, what does it offer and how does it work? Well, who better to ask than those involved.

Mike Guthrie, Accredited Legal Technologist and Housebuilding Partner at law firm Burness Paull, said: ‘The accreditation gives access to a network of like-minded people with whom to discuss legal tech and helps firms pick out those who identify themselves as tech or innovation people.’

While Sara Blair, Chief Transformation Officer at Thorntons Law, Chair of LawscotTech Advisory Board and member of the accreditation panel, commented: ‘Following the initial success of the Accredited Legal Technologist specialisation, we are proud to be relaunching this accreditation. Technology is an ever-changing field and those working at the intersection of tech and the law are at the forefront of reshaping the legal sector through embracing innovation.

‘As the legal technology landscape has changed considerably since we first launched this specialisation, the LawscotTech Advisory Board have taken the opportunity to reshape the accreditation in order to accommodate and support the growing number of legal technology professionals who work in an increasingly diverse range of roles.’

The accreditation will be open to those who can demonstrate a significant level of legal technology experience, ‘ideally around three years in a dedicated legal tech role or an equivalent portfolio of work’, they added.

More information here.

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It’s an interesting move and if it helps focus more lawyers on the value of expertise in legal tech then it’s a positive step. It’s also useful for those who have the accreditation as they can stick it on their CV. Maybe it’s something that other Bar organisations around the world could look at as well?

Of course, you don’t need a badge to prove you’re doing great things in legal tech, but it doesn’t seem to do any harm, and as noted it may do some good.

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More about the scheme below:

To apply you will need to tell them about: 

1. ‘Your formal qualifications and professional experience, evidencing a specialist expertise in both law and technology
2. The tools you are using 
3. How you have developed or improved legal technology in your firm or legal team
4. Where you have influenced strategy development, policy formulation and / or other leadership activities in relation to legal technology
5. How you have contributed to legal technology beyond your employment (such as publication of articles or opinion pieces or 
6. The steps you take to ensure adoption of legal technology at your firm or organisation adheres to the ethical and professional standards required by the legal profession
7. Two referees who can verify your skills and experience.’ 

What does becoming an accredited legal technologist offer?

1. ‘Recognition of expertise: 

• Provides a professional status which recognises the unique skillset of legal technologists
• Enhances credibility with clients, colleagues and the wider legal community
• Showcases a commitment to innovation and excellence in legal technology 

2. Networking and collaboration: 

• Access to a community of peers, enabling sharing of knowledge and best practice
• Invitation to quarterly roundtable discussions exclusively hosted for ALTs by members of the Lawscot Tech Advisory Board
• Opportunities to network with a community of legal tech providers
• Free attendance at Law Society of Scotland’s annual Legal Technology Conference
• Opportunities to contribute to the Law Society of Scotland’s communications, conferences and seminars 
• Establishment of a collective influential voice to encourage and accelerate tech adoption in the legal sector 

3. Professional development and supporting future talent: 

• Re-accreditation every three years ensures continuous learning and professional growth
• Progression track for those moving into legal technology roles
• Opportunity for some members to sit on the Lawscot Tech Advisory Board.’ 

On its website, the Law Society of Scotland maintains a public list of those accredited so far. This is what it says at present and it includes those at law firms, inhouse, and at legal tech companies: