Female Entrepreneurship: Raising Voices in Legal Tech

International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month began in the 1900s as ways to recognize the economic, political, and cultural achievements made by women. The beginnings of these celebrations emerged from campaigns of labor movements in Europe and North America, and reflected a growing call for women’s equal participation in society as a pledge. 

To amplify the voices of women in the legal tech field, we spoke with our LIZ female founders to bring you their stories, introduce brilliant female role models, and encourage women everywhere to make their mark on the legal tech industry.

On dealing with gender gap in the legal tech industry

It’s no surprise that women continue to be underrepresented in key leadership roles within the legal tech industry. Research (external link)  conducted by Bloomberg Law (external link)  in 2019, showed that only 9.5% of the 769 companies tagged as “legal tech” have a female founder. When asked about their thoughts on the gender gap, LIZ founders agree that there are challenges and obstacles many women often face in male dominated industries. “As a lawyer, I was told that I needed to decide which was more of a priority — my family or my career. I’ve also participated in meetings where the voice of the men at the table clearly carried more weight,” says Co-Founder and CLO of Compliance Works (external link) , Gayle Wadden (external link) . Similarly, Lesha Van Der Bij (external link) , Co-Founder and CEO of Compliance Works (external link)  adds, “I have been in many situations where I was the only woman in the room. It can be challenging to have your voice heard over men seemingly trying to one-up each other.”

On the other hand, Founder and CEO of Vesta (external link) , Lucrezia Spagnolo (external link) , says receiving sponsorship and mentorship from both male and female-identified leaders has helped advance her career. “I’ve had leaders of all genders who’ve helped me navigate my career path, and challenged me to stretch myself and fostered my ambition. I learned that fitting in doesn't work. Take the lead, speak up and you will stand out.”

Similarly, both Aashni Shah (external link) , Founder and CEO of MIDO (external link) , and Mona Datt (external link) , CEO of Loom Analytics (external link) , said their background as engineers has desensitized the gender gap in legal tech. “Working as a software engineer at big tech companies, I was often the only or one of the only women in the office,” says Aashni. “I felt like a lot of the time, I wasn’t given the same expectations as my male counterparts simply because I am a woman, even though my gender has nothing to do with my ability to do my job.” To Mona, the gender gap has been something she’s learned to live with. “You need to change your perspective and get on with it, because if you don’t, it will get in the way of moving forward,” she says.

On lessons that shaped their journey as a female entrepreneur

The entrepreneurial journey can be challenging to navigate, especially as a woman. Aashni says her experience has been made easier by having a strong support group of female founders. “The way we promote each other and act as a sounding board is so valuable,” she says. When it comes to collaborating with others, Gayle says a key lesson for her has been to seek the help and advice of others with different skill sets. “We are experts at legislation with years of experience as practicing lawyers, but we need to build on that skill set. It’s been important for us to work with others whose skills we can learn from.”

Lesha adds that persistence and confidence have been vital to her journey as an entrepreneur. “I really can’t take no for an answer. Most people are very busy, and often I will make the same request multiple times to get someone’s attention,” she says. 

Lucrezia believes it's okay to take risks, explaining that it pays off to take the risk. “Looking back, I realize that my greatest risks have helped me leap forward the most,” she says. “So take the risk, what’s the worst that can happen? Chances are, you’re going to learn along the way and survive it.”

On advice to other female entrepreneurs wanting to get into legal tech

For those females looking to blaze their own trail into entrepreneurialism, our founders offer some advice: “There is no shame in failure,” says Lucrezia. “If you have an idea, go for it. Test your idea, ask questions, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone.” 

Lesha says it’s important to look for inefficiencies that can be improved. “Think about how you could leverage technology to provide the same legal service or information in a way that is more affordable and accessible. Do your research, work out if there is a market for your product, and make sure it’s something you’re passionate about.” 

Gayle stresses the importance of reaching out to other female entrepreneurs and talking to them about their journey. “All women entrepreneurs I’ve met with, have been very supportive and helpful,” she says. “Women, in particular, seem very open to sharing their experiences, advice and connections. Take advantage of that by reaching out.”

Mona says to not overthink it and just get out there. “In your entrepreneurship journey, there will be people who tell you you can’t do it. You have to learn to ignore that — if you believe you can, then you can.” 

It’s important that we recognize and celebrate female entrepreneurship and leadership, in not only the legal tech industry, but all sectors. To all females who have dreamed of starting their own company — it’s never too late to turn it into a reality.