Jennifer Wondracek is the Director of the Law Library, Professor of Legal Research and Writing at Capital University Law School. Find her on Twitter @JenWondracek.
What are three points that describe you?
- Inquisitive
- Thinks outside the box
- Willing to try new things
How is telework/quarantine going for you?
Good but busy! My work increased when we began teleworking, and it has never really slowed down. I just started my new position with Capital University, too, and it is exciting to be learning a new role.
How did you become involved in legal tech?
I was given my first computer when I was five (Commodore 64) and I was sold on technology. I love learning about new things and be kept experimenting. In my position as a Staff Attorney at NC Prisoner Legal Services, I became involved with the implementation of our first case management system almost by accident. As my career progressed, I accepted more and more challenges and opportunities in legal tech.
What projects have you been focused on recently?
The Law Review and Accessible Law Journal at my former employer, UNT Dallas College of Law, have been working on a jury duty video for the Dallas County Courts. As part of the effort, my team created a complimentary 360 training experience for the jurors to learn more about the individuals in the courtroom and their roles. We expect it to be rolled out when the Dallas Courts return to in-person juries.
Is there a legal tech resource of any kind that really helped you when you were starting out in the field?
People in the field were my best resource. I appreciate everyone who answered my myriad of questions as I sought to educate myself.
What do you see as the most important emerging tech, legal or not, right now?
I think one of the technologies that can help and hinder us is facial recognition. We need to find an ethical balance for its use, while also improving the technology and data to avoid future bias.
What advice would you give to other women who want to get involved in legal tech?
Don’t wait for “the perfect time.” Just jump in. You can start as small or as large as you want, just start.
Give a shout-out to another woman in legal tech who you admire or have learned something from!
Ivy B. Grey has been a big inspiration to me! She is one of the people that I automatically think of when I want to bounce ideas around.
