Organized by the Corporate Law Committee of St. Joseph’s College of Law for the Incoming Batch of First-Year Students (2025 Batch)

The Corporate Law Committee of St. Joseph’s college of Law recently hosted an engaging and highly informative webinar tailored especially for the incoming batch of first-year law students. The focus of the session was on carving a successful understanding of the use of tech and AI in shaping public policy in the dynamic and fast-evolving field of tech law and policy. With the legal landscape increasingly influenced by advancements in technology, the session provided timely insights into how budding law professionals can begin preparing from day one.

This informative webinar was hosted by Ms. Himali Sylvester an alumnus from the college batch of (2017-2022). She being a technology, Media, and Telecommunications lawyer also known as a TMT Lawyer is currently working in Ikigai law firm and is now making a transition to SAM in their relatively new technology law department. These qualifications made her the best person to provide valuable insights on this upcoming and higly relevant field of law.

Introduction to Tech Law and Policy
The session began with a broad overview of what tech law and policy entails. It was clarified that this emerging field involves the intersection of legal frameworks with technological advancements ranging from data privacy and cybersecurity to artificial intelligence and digital governance. As technology continues to outpace regulation, there is a growing demand for professionals who can navigate both legal and policy dimensions of this space.

One of the first key takeaways for students was the importance of understanding the relationship between policy and law. A slide was presented showing a Venn diagram that succinctly explained this:

• Policy is a vision, meant to guide decisions and future legal frameworks.
• Law, on the other hand, is a binding rule with enforceable consequences.

The overlap represents areas where policy vision has been codified into enforceable legislation. This foundational concept is critical for anyone looking to work at the intersection of tech and legal systems.

Why tech policy?
In today’s rapidly advancing digital age, the need for robust tech policy is more critical than ever. Technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, facial recognition, and deepfakes are evolving faster than existing laws can regulate them. Without clear policies, these innovations risk being misused leading to privacy violations, misinformation, discrimination, and even threats to democratic processes.

Tech policy serves as the bridge between innovation and public interest. It establishes guidelines to ensure that technological development aligns with ethical standards, human rights, and societal well-being. For instance, data protection laws safeguard users’ personal information from being exploited by corporations or malicious actors. Similarly, AI regulations can prevent algorithmic bias and ensure transparency in automated decision-making.

Moreover, tech policy is essential for national security and global competitiveness. Countries that proactively regulate technology can better control cyber threats, foster innovation responsibly, and build public trust in digital systems.

In essence, tech policy is not about stifling innovation, but about shaping it responsibly. It ensures that technology serves the people not the other way around. As digital tools continue to impact every aspect of life, a strong, adaptive, and forward-looking tech policy is no longer optional; it is a necessity.

A Roadmap: How to Prepare Over the Next Five Years One of the most impactful parts of the session was a step-by-step visual roadmap on how to build a career in tech law and policy over the course of five years. The roadmap was broken down into actionable steps:

1. Read extensively about tech-related developments:
Students were encouraged to cultivate a habit of regularly following technology news, legal journals, and policy updates. A strong knowledge base is essential for engaging with the complex issues that define this field.

2. Start writing blogs, LinkedIn posts, or short-form content: Writing was emphasized as a crucial skill not only for building one's personal brand but also for refining one’s understanding of nuanced topics. Platforms like LinkedIn or legal blogs offer great spaces for sharing thoughts on ongoing developments in tech law.

3. Enroll in certificate courses and pursue internships: Students should actively seek certifications in cyber law, data protection, AI governance, etc., and aim for internships with think tanks, policy institutions, or legal tech startups. Writing research papers was also suggested as a way to deepen domain expertise.

4. Prepare for applications to law firms and internships: The roadmap emphasized the importance of interning with tier-2 or tier-3 law firms initially, while gradually preparing to apply to top-tier firms specializing in tech or IP law. An important take-away was to make the internships more purposeful by the 4th year of the course which basically means choosing specific internships that align with the particular field of interest of the student so as to pursue the same after graduation with a better and more detailed knowledge about the field.

5. Leverage connections and aim for Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs): Networking, maintaining consistent writing and research efforts, and working diligently during internships can lead to valuable opportunities. The speaker highlighted the importance of building relationships in the field through mentorships and professional events.

Interactive Segment: A Live Simulation on Policy Drafting To make the session more engaging and practical, the webinar featured a live simulation exercise. The students were placed in the shoes of a government legal advisor in India. They were presented with a real-world-inspired scenario:

A viral deepfake video had been uploaded on a popular app named ChatterUp, causing widespread public outrage. The government wanted to fast-track an amendment to the Digital Safety Act, and students had 10 minutes to draft a short legislative clause addressing this issue.

The drafting task had three specific objectives:
1. Target the issue of AI-generated or deepfake content.
2. Balance the right to free speech with the need to prevent harm.
3. Ensure the clause was practical and implementable.
This segment was particularly well-received as it gave students a hands-on taste of what tech policy-making entails. It tested their ability to think critically, apply legal principles, and navigate the complexity of regulating emerging technologies without stifling innovation or fundamental rights.

Key Takeaways
The session ended with a Q&A segment where students had the opportunity to interact with the speaker and seek further guidance. The overall tone was optimistic and encouraging, with the following key takeaways reiterated:

• Start early: The earlier students begin exploring and contributing to the tech policy space, the better their chances of building a credible and impactful career.
• Stay updated: Regular reading and learning are non-negotiable in a field that evolves as rapidly as technology.
• Be visible: Writing, publishing, and participating in conversations online or through webinars is essential.
• Gain experience: From internships to volunteering at think tanks, real-world experience is crucial.
• Focus on balance: The best policy professionals are those who can strike a balance between idealism and enforceability.

Final Thoughts
The webinar provided first-year students with a strong introduction to a niche yet increasingly relevant area of law. By laying out a clear roadmap and engaging participants through a realistic policy simulation, the Corporate Law Committee successfully delivered a session that was both educational and inspirational. For students aspiring to contribute meaningfully at the crossroads of law and technology, this session served as a compelling starting point.