Bridging the gap between legal practice and innovation

In this insight, we meet with Absola Babarinde to discuss her career journey from working in legal tech to her current position as trainee solicitor.

Tell us more about your professional journey from working in legal tech to your current role as a trainee solicitor. What motivated you to make this transition?

Before starting my training contract, I worked in our Client Technology Solutions team, where I designed innovative tools for our people and developed bespoke, end-to-end digital products for clients. Some standout projects were building the app for our UKIME Partner Conference, an interactive, real-time platform used by senior leadership. As well as maintaining a bespoke horizon scanning tool for a key client, helping them to track and respond to regulatory change.

My work required more than just technical skill; it also demanded a deep engagement with legal content. For example, I automated numerous precedents, which meant dissecting complex clauses and translating legal logic into code. It was in doing this that I rediscovered how much I enjoyed the substance of law, not just enabling it, but being directly involved in its interpretation and application.

That’s ultimately what drove me to pursue practice. But rather than seeing it as a transition, I view this as a merger: tech and law are in constant conversation.

How has your experience in legal tech influenced your approach as a trainee solicitor?

My experience in legal tech has shaped my approach as a trainee solicitor in many ways, I'm always looking for opportunities to improve processes and create value for clients. Being in a legal tech role encourages innovative thinking and the ability to come up with novel solutions, which I apply to my current role when addressing complex legal issues.

How do you see technology shaping the future of legal practice?

Tech will be the enabler that frees us up to be more strategic, creative and connected in how we serve our clients.

What are some of the advantages of coming from a non-linear career path?

Coming from a non-linear career path offers several advantages. My experience in Business Services has provided me with a true understanding of how businesses operate, including their strategic goals and concerns.

It’s also enabled me to approach tasks with a more strategic and creative perspective. Working with diverse teams and adapting to various priorities has made me well-rounded, empathetic, and resourceful.

What’s the best advice you’ve received, personal or professional?

The best piece of advice I’ve received is to advocate for yourself, knowing what you want and what your goals are. It’s important to play an active role in curating the life you want for yourself both personally and professionally.

Tell us something people might not know about you.

I really enjoy gymnastics and aerial sports, especially aerial hoop. It’s a great way to destress and it helped get me through my SQE studies. I think that in another life, I’d like to be a circus or musical theatre performer (if I could sing!).