Bytelex Advocates has been setting the pace for law firms in the region as it builds a client-base in the technology sector and is breaking ground through identifying opportunities for regional co-operation.

“But it has been a delicate time,” Raymond admits, “Even so, Covid has helped us to innovate.” To manage its distributed teams and clients, the firm has innovated and developed systems that enable work to continue at a pace.

“We have evolved... One example being a new document assembly tool for clients.”

Tom probes Raymond about how he is recruiting young lawyers – especially to a field that demands an entrepreneurial and tech-informed mindset. Raymond says the firm’s Tech Start-up Ambassador Attorney Programme is how they identify talent. “We only recruit through this initiative - young lawyers who have completed the programme have a grasp of our clients’ needs.”

They also discuss the upcoming online event, Next.Legal, on October 23.  This is an initiative aimed at opening channels between East African nations and developing connections that play to different strengths. Rwanda, for example, is an innovator’s dream, where the regulatory environment is “can-do” with vibrant sandbox development in the tech sector. While Kenya, for instance, has a robust financial sector and is where to look for investment.

This enlightening conversation between two “tecchies” is about the challenges of taking the law into unchartered territory and finding the skills and out-the-box thinking that will make it an incredible journey.

To register for the Next.Legal event, click here

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