Extract from Michaela Ross’ article “Tech-Savvy Attorneys in Heavy Demand Amid Emerging Tech”
Memo to lawyers: free your inner computer nerd if you want to represent today’s clients.
Take Patrick Berarducci, a lawyer whose resume also includes a background in computer science and software engineering. He was quickly snatched up by the blockchain company ConsenSys to make sure the developing technology complies with existing laws and regulations.
“There’s a real shortage” of lawyers like him, John Wolpert, ConsenSys’ product executive, told Bloomberg Law. “We need a lot more code-y lawyers, as I say.”
Emerging and fast-evolving technologies, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, have law firms scrambling for legal talent that understands technology. Law firms are scouring for attorneys with expertise in computer science or cryptography to advise corporate and government clients implementing technology and navigate nascent case law in these areas, executives and attorneys told Bloomberg Law.
