Our KorumLegal consultant this month is Cynthia Mathenge who is a UK and Kenyan trained lawyer with over 10 years of experience in corporate-commercial law, intellectual property law, data protection/privacy, cybersecurity, and legal technology. She has successfully provided legal support to several organisations and her experience cuts across various industries, including tech companies, healthcare providers, payment service providers, betting and gambling companies and so much more. Her career has also been defined by a commitment to staying ahead of evolving trends and empowering organisations to lawfully and securely leverage digital technologies to deliver innovations and sustainable growth opportunities (especially in the legal sphere). As a proven leader, Cynthia thrives in dynamic environments where she can leverage her expertise to solve complex legal and technological challenges. She is committed to staying at the forefront of developments in data protection law, intellectual property, and emerging technologies, ensuring that her clients remain protected and resilient in an ever-evolving digital landscape
1. Hi Cynthia! Can you tell us a little about the work you are currently doing and have been doing?
I wear many hats really. I’m a Lawyer and Legal Technologist whose focus tends to be within the Data Protection, Intellectual Property as well as ESG spaces.
One of my current projects includes working with a healthcare organisation that wants to utilise technology to promote & deliver digital health safely. My role is to ensure that the organisation is data protection & privacy compliant in preparation for an ORCHA (The Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps) digital technology audit/assessment. The assessment will evaluate whether the Application/Platform is in line with the relevant Digital Health Framework – in this case, the UK Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC).
I am also working with a regulatory compliance management software company that helps people understand and manage their distinct legal obligations that apply to their business within the Environmental as well as Occupational Health & Safety realms. My role involves me reviewing and approving global legal updates for a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. From national laws, by-laws, federal laws, state laws and even municipal laws in various jurisdictions including:- the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, South Africa, Kenya, Switzerland, the USA and so much more.
2. What made you take the leap into working in NewLaw for ALSP’s? And why is it a good fit for you?
I have been fortunate enough to have trained and worked in the traditional “Big Law” but I craved and was eager to get away from the monotony. Diversity in the type of work was key factor for the leap as well as diversity in client industries.
My evident love for tech also makes this a good fit for me too. Novel ways of achieving great results for clients is always rewarding; and in the advent of technology, I can only embrace what is to come.
Let’s also not forget – THE FLEXIBILITY! The flexibility of my working hours (well… for the most part) remains a key driving force as well.
3. What’s the most rewarding assignment you’ve ever had and why?
Gosh… that’s quite difficult to answer. Different markets and industries have unique sets of problems therefore each assignment can result in varying degrees of fulfilment. But I must say, more often than not, working with SMEs can and has been a treat.
4. As an experienced NewLaw/ ALSP consultant, where do you see NewLaw/ ALSP fitting into the matrix of the legal sector and how have you seen it evolve?
Can’t deny that it’s certainly a niche market at this very moment, but there has been a noticeable shift towards alternative business structures and client-focused service delivery.
Traditional law firms have often been slow to change, but the pressures of global competition, client demands for cost-effective solutions, and advancements in technology have driven the evolution of NewLaw models.
As client expectations continue to evolve, NewLaw/ALSP businesses will likely see increased adoption as they tend to offer expertise in areas such as e-discovery, contract management, and compliance management using Legaltech tools for process optimisation & great results. Their integration of AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics will also further enhance their capabilities, driving efficiency and reducing costs.
NewLaw/ASLPs are also poised for significant growth because more organisations seek to unbundle legal services and outsource non-core functions.
5. What trends do you expect to see in the legal services industry in the next 5 years?
We can’t expect to reinvent the wheel… but important aspects of legal services are human connection & the understanding of the different problems in different sectors/industries to date.
I do hope however, that we’re able to enhance expertise & improve service delivery by remaining at the forefront of legal innovation and utilising relevant tech solutions ethically.
While AI has been the talk of the town and in a number of chat rooms across various industries, it’s only “just” spilled over into the legal world. Traditional law has often been hesitant to adopt tech solutions and if it does, it’s usually at a snail’s pace.
Perhaps we might see a few more legal departments & in-house counsels (sometimes hastily) using and deploying Generative AI tools to keep up with possibly real or perceived competition. We must nevertheless be vigilant and remember that some of the GenAI tools currently in the market fail to uphold the highest standards of legal practice, client confidentiality, and techno ethics.
Although different countries are at different stages of the “AI hype cycle”, I do hope and expect to see extensive use of Legal AI platforms (globally) that have a clear framework for compliance, with somewhat pre-set boundaries. We need to aim to promote safe and trustworthy practices around AI’s use within the legal sector; without bias & discrimination; and most importantly, with a human-centric lens.
6. Your favourite tune? And why?
Haha! Honestly, I think the best I can do is give you my top 3 (at the moment). I’ve got range!… Plus, it really mostly depends on my mood.
- Siyabonga by DJ Zinhle ft Black Motion, Kabza de Small & Nokwazi. A South African (Zulu) song about appreciation & gratitude.
- Mwaki by Sofiyah Nzau & Zerb – an Afro house tune from Kenya, sung in the Kikuyu language.
- Wild Sea by Roberto Cacciapaglia & the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra which is a beautiful orchestral piece that evokes all kinds of emotions.
KorumLegal is a boutique legal consultancy committed to providing value innovation in legal service delivery. The legal services industry is continuing to change with ‘NewLaw’ – and clients are seeking more innovative and cost-effective solutions without compromise on experience and quality
