The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/96072
opportunity for aspiring legal technology professionals. Educational opportunities are becoming more and more abundant, both locally and online. From coast to coast, academic institutions are investing in and developing legal technology curricula for today's legal support staff professional. For example, Georgetown University, UCLA, Cal State, LIU Post and Bryan University all offer various courses and certifications in e-discovery education with a strong emphasis on legal project management. In addition, there is great value and job mobility for individuals who pursue technology-specific certifications and get immediate exposure and hands-on experience with various tools. The list of possible certifications is long, and it can be difficult to decide which tools to become certified in. Will this add to my value? Will my potential employer use this tool? If not, will they train me on their tool? Will this tool still be a market leader in a few years? These are all valid questions, and the answers will be different from employer to employer. One certainty is that getting a certification is a testament to your commitment to investing in yourself. Invest in Yourself Self-investment is very important in the law firm hiring culture. When candidates apply for positions seeking career advancement, hiring managers will immediately ask the reasonable question, "What has the candidate done to propel his or her own advancement?" Self-investment can come in many forms: additional degrees and certifications, management and leadership programs or passionate pro bono work. Are you the "go-to" guy or gal for a particular area? Specialization often increases value and can be quite marketable. When a law firm looks to hire from the outside, they are often looking for highly specialized, niche players. Another thing to keep in mind is that the Am Law 200's educational requirements are becoming more rigorous. A bachelor's degree is often necessary just to apply. Many legal technology professionals lacking a strong educational background may be "grandfathered" in to their current roles but could find it challenging to move to another firm without a bachelor's degree, especially at the management level. Having a J.D. — particularly as a nonpracticing attorney — can significantly increase one's marketability and attractiveness as a candidate in legal technology. This has made the legal technology job market more competitive. Due to the high supply of graduating attorneys and lower supply of partner-tracked associate positions available over the last five years, many J.D.s are moving their careers into this space. Peer to Peer 15