21 October, 2024
With a QUT Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Information Technology double degree, recent graduate Josh Buckley has carved out a unique career path that perfectly blends his passions. Now a Senior Analyst in the Digital Services team at Ashurst Advance, Josh is at the intersection of technology and the law. His role at Ashurst requires him to leverage digital tools and innovative technology to optimise the delivery of legal services.
Only four months after graduating, Josh reflects on how his double degree in law and IT has helped him curate a career perfectly suited to his interests.
Career opportunities in law and IT
Josh’s dual expertise has allowed him to carve out a niche in the legal industry in legal tech, transforming how legal services are delivered.
“My work is all about integrating technology with legal expertise to create solutions that not only drive cost savings and efficiencies, but also delivers value beyond traditional legal advice,” Josh explains.
“Day-to-day, I work closely with our legal teams to design and develop digital solutions. For example, part of my role involves using AI and data analytics to streamline document review and due diligence.”
His work not only improves efficiency but also drives innovation in an industry that is increasingly reliant on AI, data analytics, and automation.
The benefits of a law and IT double degree
As the legal industry experiences rapid technological innovation, the demand for professionals able to bridge the gap between the law and technology has never been greater. For Josh, studying a Law and IT double degree capitalised on this growing need.
“Pursuing a double degree in Law and IT has provided me with a distinct advantage by giving me a comprehensive understanding of both fields,” Josh shared.
“My legal education has equipped me with the unique ability to critically analyse the legal implications of technology, navigating complex issues, such as data privacy and intellectual property, beyond just the technical aspects. I’m able to bridge the gap between legal requirements and technological implementation, foreseeing potential technological challenges and opportunities that others might overlook.”
Technology and the law: QUT’s law, technology and innovation minor
QUT’s Law, Technology, and Innovation minor played a key role in helping Josh connect the dots between his two fields of study.
“The law, technology and innovation minor was the highlight of my degree,” Josh shared, “it focused on the intersection of law and emerging technologies, and required us to consider both the legal challenges and ethical implications of topics such as AI, data privacy and technological innovation.
“It sparked my interest in how technology will affect law in the future.”
QUT Law academic, Professor Mark Burdon, spoke to us about the vital role the the minor plays in ensuring our graduates are prepared for modern legal practice.
“It’s important that students understand how to use new technology and learn to think critically about their use of technology and what it means for the future of law and legal practice.”
QUT’s real-world approach to teaching
Throughout his degree, Josh was taught by the QUT’s award-winning academics and industry-leading professionals who brought a wealth of real-world experience and theoretical knowledge to the classroom.
“The real-world experience of QUT academics was evident throughout my degree, starting from my very first year,” Josh shared. “One of my tutors would explain complex legal concepts using real-world examples from their time as a practising lawyer. It made the material much easier to grasp.”
Professor Burdon is a prime example of how our academics use real-world examples. He uses apps such as Netflix, Spotify and YouTube to teach data privacy.
“It’s when you make it relevant to students’ real-life experience that you can see the lightbulbs switch on,” Professor Burdon told us.
Research embedded into QUT Law
Josh’s study expanded beyond just coursework; it also involved hands-on research opportunities.
Working alongside Professor Burdon and Professor Anna Huggins, Josh explored how emerging technologies, like AI, interact with legal frameworks. Specifically, whether it is possible to develop a ChatGPT prompt strategy that can identify the reasons for legal decisions.
On the experience, Josh said, “the research honed my ability to critically analyse complex legal and technological issues.”
Professor Burdon explained how Josh’s unique skillset was invaluable to the research, “the combination of Josh’s legal and IT skills allowed him to push the boundaries and use ChatGPT in new and innovative ways.”
He was so impressed with the high quality of Josh’s work that he is now helping to get it published internationally.
Furthermore, Josh has been able to take his learnings from this research and use it in his career, “it’s been especially useful in my current role as research and data analysis are crucial to developing non-traditional legal solutions.”
Kick-starting a career with work experience
In addition to his academic achievements, Josh’s career trajectory was significantly shaped by real-world experience. Josh secured several internships and placements while studying, including a technical role at Westpac through QUT’s Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship. This was followed by a summer research scholarship at CSIRO's Data61 in the software systems group, referred to him by a QUT peer. He also worked as a Research Assistant at QUT and interned at Legal Tech startup Lawcadia, which led to a permanent position. Finally, Josh was recruited through LinkedIn for a position as a Legal Technology Analyst at Ashurst, where he’s now been since late 2021.
Each of these roles allowed Josh to apply his legal and IT knowledge in practical settings, a testament to the importance of work experience. Josh credits QUT with his career success so far, “none of these roles would have been possible without my studies at QUT. Through various networks, societies, friends and colleagues, QUT has supported me throughout my entire professional career.”
For students considering a double degree in Law and IT, Josh’s career is proof of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.