Solving business problems with law, data and technology: and the importance of asking “Why…?”

Our guest today is Akber Datoo, CEO and Founder of D2 Legal Technology, and both technologist and private practice lawyer, adviser to financial institutions on how process re-engineering, use of legal technology and data can optimise business decisions and provide solutions to challenges.  In this special episode we are joined by Akber Datoo, who discusses his career path as well as the future trends of the use of technology in law and in the businesses that lawyers support.  Akber talks about his initial studies in computer science, early career roles exploring banking technologies, his decision to retrain and qualify as a lawyer, and then applying this knowledge back in the financial services sector.  Also, Akber reflects how critical it was to work across the functions of a business to understand one is solving not just for legal problems, but business problems that just happen to have a legal component to them, using data and technology.  Akber explains the importance of following one’s passion, being curious, and of understanding the broader principles of one’s area of expertise: challenging and asking “Why…?” things are done in certain ways, to drive better approaches.  In the discussion Akber also explores the cultural differences he noticed between sectors such as law, banking and technology.  In particular, how does innovation happen?  How comfortable are people with “failing”, so that learning from initial attempts at a new solution are welcomed and celebrated, helping an organisation reach to an optimised and more efficient outcome.  Key skills Akber highlights include the importance of understanding the “root cause” of challenges, and also remaining sharply focused on the business, rather than the legal problem, in creating value for one’s clients. Collaborating across functions and building one’s own multi-disciplinary expertise to support one’s career choices are also highlighted.  Actions and resources for listeners:         Look at these insights into technology and law, and read one which interests you – and for all you studying currently, into which modules and assignments can you connect some of the insights? Look at the transferable skills from the world of Computer Science.  Which of these are important to develop in the legal sector, to help clients to solve their business (not just legal) challenges?