IRWIN MITCHELL: The robots are coming: how tech, law and accessibility intersect in the world of business.

Our host Oli Barrett MBE meets Nicki Clegg, Chief Technology Officer of law firm Irwin Mitchell and Fadeia Hossian, Lawyer at Clifford Chance to discuss technology, their respective backgrounds and challenges and how to make businesses more accessible.Nicki charts her journey to becoming one of the few female CTOs in her industry and details her approach to streamlining business using technology. Fadeia describes her inspiring relationship with tech and now developments in particular areas have enabled her to practice as a lawyer whilst having a visual impairment.Oli and our guests also discuss the future of work for humans and whether machine learning poses a threat to senior roles held by lawyers, law makers and financial regulators. And our host asks the pair their thoughts on inspiration, motivation and who they’d most like to meet for coffee.Time Stamps[4:33] Fadeia discusses the impact of technology on her practice, her experience with visual impairment and the ways in which tech enables her to fulfil her role at Clifford Chance. [6:13] Oli and Fadeia discuss accessibility tools available for the visually impaired in workplaces and the areas where improvement is needed. [8:57] Fadeia describes her experiences with employers and potential employers. [11:50] Oli and Nicki Clegg discuss Nicki’s background, her time at The British Library and how her PhD in Climate Studies has informed her current work. [13:42] ‘A slightly crass observation, I don’t meet many female CTOs’ says Oli, addressing Nicki.The pair discuss the gender gap in senior tech roles and what change looks like. [15:30] Nicki explains her transition from a climate studies expert to an energy company and then into a law firm and the similarities and differences within each industry. [16:35] Nicki and Fadeia discuss the efforts of law firms to make positive use of CSR days and initiatives. [20:36] Oli asks his guests about practical examples of how technology is changing the world of work and for better or worse. [22:45] ‘What’s something you do in your role that you feel quietly confident that couldn’t be done by a machine or robot?’ Oli Barrett asks of this episode’s guests. The Lens PodcastThe Lens is a Business in the Community podcast exploring responsible business in a digital age, powered by Fujitsu and supported by McCann. Business in the Community is The Prince’s Responsible Business Network. We exist to build healthy communities with successful businesses at their heart.Don’t forget to follow The Lens on Instagram and to rate, review and subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. instagram.com/thelenspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.