Amanda Chaboryk
Current Employer/Organisation Name
PwC
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Upon leaving Exeter (where I completed my Graduate LLB), I worked at a litigation fund, various international laws firms, and now a consultancy firm (PwC). Working at a litigation fund, which was my first role upon graduation, provided me with insight into the financial and strategic aspects aspects of litigation. Litigation funds are data driven businesses because they rely on data to make informed decisions about which claims to finance and how much to invest. Data (namely legal data) helps them evaluate the strength of the evidence, the likelihood of success, the expected duration, and the potential return of each case. I took these learnings into my subsequent roles at law firms, where I managed complex cases and identified opportunities to leverage technology to facilitate legal delivery. I now work at PwC, where I get to work with marketing leading technologies and oversee the delivery of complex legal programmes.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I did not precisely choose this career, but various decisions lead to where I am now. I received really great career advice “to have a plan; but be flexible”, which I somewhat followed. I am driven by a passion for the intersection of law and technology. AI technologies are fueled by data. This role lets me leverage my education and experience in both domains, allowing me to harness data and digital tools to optimise legal processes. With the advent of generative AI, this is even more exciting, really integrating both words (law and data science). GenAI can generate and amend contracts in seconds, personalise legal advice, and tailor legal advice to the specific needs of individuals or organizations. By analysing previous cases, legal outcomes, and contextual factors, AI can provide personalised recommendations and guidance. This is particularly useful in scenarios where legal advice needs to be scaled across many situations, as the AI can adjust its advice based on the nuances of each situation. What I enjoy most is working with brilliant people, ranging from developers to lawyers.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I was a member of the Bracton Law Society and Surf Club. This led to me spending a wonderful summer working in Cornwall!
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
I enjoyed everything about programme, from the lectures in The Forum to mock trials. The biggest highlight was competing in a competition at Oxford for ‘Lawyers without Borders.’
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
I loved the beautiful campus, resources available for support, and the luxury of being able to take a train (or two) to Paris.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I choose Exeter due to its strong global reputation and lovely campus. Since I came to study I have not left the UK and choose to settle here.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
The most useful skills for my career have been time management, deep analysis, and systematic thinking. Time management involves the ability to plan and control how much time to spend on specific activities – it enables you to work smarter, not harder (so you can get more done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high). Deep analysis can identify underlying patterns, make connections between seemingly unrelated information, and derive insights that are not immediately obvious. Systematic thinking is instrumental in litigation (and law naturally) as it enables you to methodically dissect complex cases, ensuring all legal elements are considered. By balancing attention to detail with an overarching view of the case, systematic thinkers can navigate the intricacies of legal proceedings effectively, leading to more thorough and compelling advocacy.
The most valuable experiences have been completing a range of different internships and roles to determine what I am most passionate about and excel doing. There is a saying that goes “I never lose, I either win or learn”, and I think that’s very applicable to trying new things and discovering where both your strengths and interests lie. If something doesn’t work out, it’s still an experience that leads you closer to where you are meant to be.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
To pursue a career that blends legal and technology fields, I would recommend focusing on interdisciplinary learning. Gain practical experience through internships or projects that require both legal analysis and technological proficiency. Stay updated on emerging tech trends and their legal implications (which is very relevant not with Generative AI and AI regulation). Reach out to someone who inspires you and ask how they got to where they are (be bold). I also think it’s important to be flexible and see the opportunities and skills that any position provides.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to remain working within legal technology and one day complete a postgraduate course examining the potential for Large Language Models (LLMs) to facilitate the democratisation of legal advice (and access to justice). I guess what I am saying, is that I want to do an “LLM” in “LLMs”!
