Gain some valuable insight from some of the judges of the British Legal Technology Awards in this exclusive Q&A. Find out why they chose to become a judge of Europe’s most prestigious legal technology awards and what they believe makes entries stand out and what they are looking for in a winning entry.
Why did you chose to become a judge for the British Legal Technology Awards?
Jacqueline de Rojas: I became a judge because I believe that shining a light on innovation creates a more progressive legal tech sector and motivation for individuals, teams and businesses to accelerate their investment in technology and diversity. Read Jacqueline’s full Q&A here.
Jonathan Patterson: I saw it as a great learning opportunity. Being able to work with Jacqueline de Rojas and an array of experts from across the industry was too good an opportunity to miss. I also really enjoy seeing technology innovation really applied by a range of different organisations to deliver results rather than press releases. Read Jonathan’s full Q&A here.
Amir Ali: I am an advocate of Artificial Intelligence and the law and how the two can benefit each other in a symbiotic and positive way that will bring real and lasting change for all. The pace and impact of innovation in this space is incredible and I feel both honoured and grateful (in equal measure) to help amplify awareness within the profession and wider ecosystem. Read Amir’s full Q&A here.
Chris Bull: I have always sat in an interesting, not always comfortable (!), place in the legal technology world. Neither a lawyer nor a technologist, my experience and passion is around the operational, business and human potential and impact of tech on our sector. I was invited to bring that perspective to the awards and delighted to accept. Read Chris’s full Q&A here.
What Key Advice Would you Give to a Company Entering the Awards?
Marcel Henri: Different organizations will enter the awards for different reasons: sales opportunity, brand awareness and promotion, internal team recognition and reward etc. All, however, must recognize that they will need to provide hard metrics and KPI’s, that unequivocally evidence the business impact of their solution or achievement. If you treasure it, measure it! Read Marcel’s full Q&A here.
Jo Owen: To show honesty and openness. Showing how you got to the end result (the product, service etc) and what you learnt along the way. The methods used, how you worked with people. How you are helping drive innovation in our industry and helping lawyers and their clients achieve their goals. I will be particular interested in how entries have considered the bigger picture of community, planet, diversity, mental health etc.
Of course it must be clear how your product / service achieves the desired outcome in a measurable way, but I assume that goes without saying! Read Jo’s full Q&A here.
Janet Day: Read the brief and look carefully at what it asks for – it is not a cut and paste of your marketing blurb. Think always holistically about your company your product the environment and the social as well as economic impact. Read Janet’s full Q&A here.
Peter Owen: Be real! Cut the sales blurb and really show how our company, your service or your product is making a difference. Evidence it properly. Read Peter’s full Q&A here.
What in your Opinion Elevates an Entrant to become a Winner?
Shawn Curran: A standout entry would be innovative, something really different. It will have made an impact and created benefits which are clearly measurable. It will have helped to create/improve effectiveness and efficiency. Read Shawn’s full Q&A here.
Sayid Hussein: 3 things really, for me it would have to be unique in it’s offering, outstanding value and has an immediate impact. Read Sayid’s full Q&A here.