Legal Engineer

Legal Engineer

Freelance 49500 - 60500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Hogan Lovells

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop custom coding solutions for legal documents and support innovative legal technology projects.
  • Company: Join a global law firm with a collaborative and inclusive culture.
  • Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Work with a diverse team and gain exposure to cutting-edge legal technologies.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of legal tech, making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Legal background and interest in coding; training provided for the right mindset.

The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.

Keen to become part of a truly global, collaborative team of professionals? Your journey begins here.

  • Job Title
  • Legal Engineer
  • Office Location
  • London or Paris
  • Department
  • IT – Legal Engineering

The Legal Engineering team works on client specific billable matters and operates under the direct supervision of the firm’s CIO.

The team is responsible for developing, and maintaining custom-made coding solutions for the firms’ clients and lawyers in relation to legal documentation and related workflows.

The team primarily build solutions using Contract Express, Ui Path, C#, SQL, Share Point Online, but also integrate various technologies for a specific client matter or project.

These projects are critical in enabling our legal professionals to best leverage the full breadth of the firm’s global capabilities in service to our clients.

Working Hours

35 hours per week, 9:30am to 5:30pm but additional hours may be required.

We are happy to consider agile and flexible working patterns.

Our approach to hybrid working allows for up to 40% of time working from home and 60% working in the office, please contact a member of the recruitment team to discuss further.

Role Overview

The Legal Engineer will support the team with managing the life cycle and delivery of custom-made coding solutions and related legal technology projects.

The role will provide first line support to our lawyers, clients and gain exposure to a variety legal technology.

There will also be the opportunity to trial new products.

Key Responsibilities

  • Specific duties or responsibilities may be reviewed from time to time to reflect changes in personnel and management structure, staff location or services.
  • All members of the firm participate in our Responsible Business program.
  • Work closely with legal subject matter experts to code / automate legal documents written in various languages using Contract Express.
  • Develop bespoke coding solutions for specific legal projects and cases.
  • Maintain and update coding in existing documents and custom-made automations.
  • Provide user training and induction sessions.
  • Manage client sites including configuring new sites, user access and adhere to the firm’s data retention policies.
  • Maintain and update user guides.
  • Assist with testing new software features and upgrades.

Qualifications & Training

  • A solid legal background (lawyer's degree in any jurisdiction, paralegal, legal specialist, previous work experience at a law firm).
  • Experience and knowledge of working with legal documents (drafting, editing, updating, and formatting).
  • Advanced language skills, especially in German, and English. Must be proficient in both reading and writing.
  • Further foreign / native language capabilities (French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese) strongly desirable.
  • A good knowledge of Contract Express coding language, any experience with any programming languages (C#, Python), automation or logic-based systems desirable – if no experience, full training will be provided but must have the right mindset (clear logical thinking and highly focused attention to details) and desire to learn to code.
  • Experience with AI tools, defining / securing prompts, working with agents desirable.
  • A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Microsoft Outlook.
  • General Attributes
  • Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Able to demonstrate the ability to learn new concepts and new products.
  • Have an interest in the future direction of legal technology and technology in general.
  • Client, delivery and deadline focused.
  • Excellent attention to detail and delivery of high-quality work.
  • Self-management and excellent organisation skills.
  • Highly effective as part of a wider team.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • A self-starter with a proactive approach to work, planning workload and solving client requirements.
  • Equal Opportunities Statement

It is the policy of Hogan Lovells Cadwalader to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.

Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of racial or ethnic origin, religion, sex, gender and gender identity, age, sexual orientation, marital and civil partnership status, pregnancy or disability.

Our goal is to embed flexibility across our business by giving everyone the opportunity to work in an agile way, whether as a regular pattern or on an ad hoc basis, and we will be happy to discuss this further.

Hogan Lovells Cadwalader brings together more than 3,100 lawyers across 36+ worldwide offices, combining global reach with deep sector expertise.

Strategically placed at the intersection of business, finance, and government.

Working seamlessly across practice areas and borders.

Our combination marks a new chapter.

Prepare to join teams of people that want you to succeed, where ideas move quickly, support is shared freely, and colleagues help each other grow, creating an inclusive culture where everyone can belong.

You’ll be challenged to perform at the highest level in an environment shaped by precision, judgement, and exceptional standards.

It’s a culture that expects excellence and gives you the opportunity to develop in every moment.

Hogan Lovells Cadwalader is a global law firm with offices in many jurisdictions and countries.

Some of the information displayed may not be applicable to the region in which you are applying, your individual situation or the local legal framework.

The system uses standard terminology that applies irrespective of whether you are/will be an employee, partner or self-employed.

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Legal Engineer employer: Hogan Lovells

Join a dynamic and inclusive team at PA in London, where we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working options, a collaborative culture, and a commitment to diversity, we empower our staff to thrive in their roles while delivering exceptional client service. Experience the unique advantage of being part of a global network that values innovation and supports your career aspirations.

Hogan Lovells

Contact Details:

Hogan Lovells Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Engineer

Networking in Legal Circles

Get involved in local bar associations or legal networking events. This is where you’ll meet potential clients and fellow freelancers who can refer you. Don't underestimate the power of a good chat over coffee – it can lead to future gigs!

Showcase Your Expertise

Start a blog or contribute articles to legal websites or forums. Sharing your insights on current legal issues can set you apart and draw attention from those needing your services. Plus, it builds your credibility in the freelance market.

Client Pipeline Essentials

Create a clear portfolio that highlights your previous legal work and client testimonials. Make sure it’s easy to find on your website. This will help potential clients see what you can do for them and build trust before they even reach out.

Keep an Eye on Job Boards

Freelance legal opportunities pop up in specific online job boards. Websites like LawCareers.Net or even general platforms like Upwork often have roles looking for freelance legal counsel. Regularly checking these can land you a project before others even hear about it!

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Engineer

Contract Express coding language
C#
SQL
UiPath
SharePoint Online
Legal Document Drafting
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Specialisation:In the legal sector, it's all about the details. Be sure to highlight your specific areas of law, such as corporate, criminal, or family law, in your CV. Mention any relevant qualifications, certifications, and experience that clearly demonstrate your expertise in these fields.

Tailor Your Portfolio:For a freelance legal role, having a solid portfolio is essential. Include samples of your work like case studies, legal briefs, or articles you've written. Make sure they showcase your abilities and knowledge, as they'll give potential clients a clear idea of what you bring to the table.

Flexibility and Availability:When applying as a freelancer, be open about your availability and willingness to adapt. Include your preferred working hours and how you manage multiple clients. Flexibility can be a huge draw for potential clients, so let them know you’re the go-to person they can rely on.

Engage With Your Potential Clients:Take the time to craft personalised cover letters for each application. Mention how your unique skills can benefit Hogan Lovells specifically. This engagement shows that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their team from day one.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hogan Lovells

Showcase Your Legal Expertise

As a freelancer in the legal field, it’s essential to demonstrate your depth of knowledge in specific areas of law relevant to Hogan Lovells. Have a few examples ready of cases you've worked on or legal research you've conducted that showcases your expertise—whether it's contract law, intellectual property, or another niche.

Pitch Your Portfolio of Success

Bring along a portfolio that highlights your previous freelance work and successes. Include testimonials from clients, sample contracts you’ve navigated, or any articles you've published in legal journals. This not only shows your ability to deliver results but also your capacity for maintaining professional relationships.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect some scenario-based questions during your interview. This might involve ways to navigate tricky legal situations or ethical dilemmas. Be ready to think on your feet and showcase your problem-solving skills—even if it’s hypothetical, your approach matters!

Know Your Worth—And State It

When in discussions about your rates, be confident in what you bring to the table. Know the market rates for freelancers in your legal specialty and be prepared to justify your pricing based on your experience and case successes. Practice how you'll communicate this effectively during your chat with Hogan Lovells.