The senior director of AI and legal tech shares the lesson that shaped her career
Catherine Roberts got into law because she wanted to help people. And as Thomson Reuters' senior director of AI and legal tech, she's doing just that by guiding legal professionals on the path to maximising the benefits of AI.
In the first part of this interview, Roberts talks conducting AI workshops for lawyers, why networking is critical, and wanting to traveling back in time to her two sons' young days if she could.
What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?
I first chose to pursue a career in law because I wanted to help people, and I’m thrilled that my role today still allows me to do just that. I help legal professionals, who are busier than ever and searching for ways to free up time, to integrate AI-powered technologies into their workflows. Why? Just last year, Australian professionals told us that they worked 45 hours per week, and yet 47% still felt that they didn’t have enough time to complete everything they would like to in their role. The same respondents believe that AI will save them up to 3 hours a week in 2025.
At Thomson Reuters, our AI investments and innovations are based on solving the most pressing challenges for our customers. My favourite part of my role is partnering with our clients to develop our products and services, addressing the areas where technology has the biggest potential for positive impact.
What in your opinion has been the most memorable event of your career to date?
One of the most memorable moments in my career so far was hosting a series of workshops called ‘AI Skills Challenges’ in 2024. We created a safe, fun, and open environment for legal professionals to explore the power of emerging technologies rooted in the trusted content they’ve come to expect from Thomson Reuters. I loved watching the light bulbs go off as lawyers realised the significant and positive changes AI could bring to the profession. All of the events in the series were memorable for the impact they had on those involved – legal professionals left energised, I left feeling inspired and motivated by their honest feedback.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned in your career, and what advice would you give to fellow aspiring lawyers (especially women in law)?
The biggest lesson that’s shaped my career is the immense value of building and nurturing a trusted network. Relationships with colleagues, customers, and the broader legal ecosystem have been crucial for me to stay energised and informed about our continuously evolving industry. My advice to all fellow lawyers would be to invest time in connecting with your network. Embrace the opportunity to learn from different perspectives and experiences, and use it to challenge your thinking. Remember, your network is not just a resource; it’s a community that can empower you to grow and succeed in your career.
If you could relive one day in your life, which day would it be and why?
I can’t pick just one day, but I’d love to time travel back to when my two boys were little. That time in my life flew by, and I’ve come to appreciate more just how special those days were. As their mum, I am committed to raising them in an environment where different perspectives are welcomed and equal opportunities are valued, and actively championed. I hope those early days set the right foundation for the good men they’ll become.
