I Abandoned My Legal Career to Dive into AI at Forty, Revealing the Benefits of Embracing Change

My career didn’t unfold in the way I originally envisioned.

Ever since I delved into the pages of John Grisham's novels as a fifth-grader, I harbored the ambition of becoming a lawyer, driven by the theme of justice that permeated those stories.

Resolute in my pursuit, I attended law school and dedicated 15 years to the legal field, spending a significant portion of that time at the United States Department of Justice.

Today, at 40, I've transitioned away from the courtroom and now hold a position as the senior legal data intelligence leader at Relativity, where we leverage AI to tackle intricate legal issues.

Shifting into AI was intimidating yet invigorating, and I have no regrets about my decision.

Dreams of DOJ and Reality of Resources

Starting my career, I pursued an economics degree at Tulane University and gained practical experience as a file clerk at a nearby law firm. Later, I graduated from Northwestern University’s law school in 2010.

After gaining experience in a law firm and nonprofit organizations, I joined a civil rights group in New Orleans in 2011, where my work focused on tackling issues of housing and lending discrimination statewide.

By 2015, I secured what felt like my ultimate job as a trial attorney in the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, moving to Washington, D.C., and remained there for a decade.

The DOJ role allowed me to make a national impact, bringing aid to discrimination victims, which was immensely rewarding. However, the challenge of operating with limited resources was ever-present, often slowing progress.

From Legal Briefs to AI

Just a few years ago, my knowledge of AI was scant, beyond the occasional headline. The notion that some legal professionals were unknowingly submitting erroneous briefs was perplexing, given the weight of our professional credibility.

Within the DOJ, I engaged with various eDiscovery initiatives, involving the retrieval and management of electronically stored information pertinent to legal proceedings.

Attending AI-focused legal conferences since 2018 opened my eyes to the potential of technology in law.

New Beginnings at Relativity

In 2023, I transitioned from a trial role to an eLitigation Counsel, crafting resources to enhance eDiscovery processes. However, it became apparent that the anticipated tech advancements at DOJ were unlikely.

I accepted a position at Relativity by mid-2025, fully embracing a career in legal tech. In today’s world, adapting to technological advancements like AI is essential, much like learning computing was 20 years ago.

Harnessing Expertise and Embracing Innovation

Working at Relativity, I interact with data scientists and engineers to ensure our AI solutions align with legal professionals’ needs. This role nurtures my continual learning, sometimes even challenging me to delve into coding.

Drawing from 15 years of legal practice helps me contribute to the refinement of our offerings. The shift to AI was daunting yet liberating, allowing me to participate in meaningful innovations.

Redefining Career Satisfaction

Recognizing personal goals and passion is crucial when contemplating career directions. I found satisfaction in using technology to empower civil rights teams over daily litigation battles.

Changing careers might seem risky, especially in the typically cautious legal field, but perceiving it as a thrilling venture has propelled me into developing a new skill set.

The uncertainty of what awaits in this new role invigorates me, whether advancing in coding or exploring other dimensions of AI.