What is your academic and professional background?
I hold a bachelor’s in law from Brazil and a master’s in European law from Germany, giving me strong legal theory and cross-border regulatory knowledge. Professionally, after moving to Germany I have built my career in Technology Strategy & Business Operations at a Big4 firm in Hamburg, where I focus on guiding organizations through digital transformation initiatives and implementing cutting-edge solutions that align with business objectives. My legal background combined with practical tech experience drives my interest in leveraging technology to advance the legal sector.
Why did you choose to participate in the AI, Legal Tech and Operations summer program?
My motivation for joining the program stemmed from a keen interest in understanding how AI is fundamentally reshaping the legal profession. Today, AI technologies are not only streamlining routine legal tasks, such as contract review, legal research, and compliance monitoring, but also enabling a shift in the very nature of legal work. Lawyers and legal departments are increasingly leveraging AI-driven tools to enhance efficiency, reduce human error, and provide deeper insights for strategic decision-making.
At the same time, it raises important questions about legal ethics, data security, and the evolving responsibilities of lawyers in a digital age. By participating in the program, I hoped to explore these challenges and opportunities firsthand, and gain practical knowledge on how law and technology intersect to shape the future of legal services.
How did the Berlin Study Trip contribute to the learning experience in the program?
The Berlin Study Trip was a highlight as it offered direct exposure to innovative companies and we saw how technology is shaping the way they work and sell their services.
YPOG showed us how law firms are evolving into tech-enabled businesses, leveraging AI and digital platforms to scale legal services and enhance client experience. Their approach to productizing legal expertise was very interesting in my point of view. Flightright demonstrated the power of AI and data analytics in consumer rights enforcement. Their automated system for flight compensation claims is a great example of how legal tech can improve access to justice. As I have used this type of service in the past, it was interesting to see how it works behind the scenes.
You participated in the first summer program hackathon this year. Can you tell us about the experience?
The hackathon was a valuable and engaging experience. From the beginning, there was a sense of motivation and a willingness to collaborate among all participants. Working with peers from different backgrounds encouraged us to consider the problem from various perspectives and helped our team develop a creative solution.
The challenge required us to devise practical answers to real-world legal issues in a limited amount of time. Rather than feeling rushed, we managed our workflow efficiently and focused on clear tasks and communication. Our team agreed quickly on a direction, organized our efforts, and moved steadily through brainstorming, prototyping, and refining our idea. The process was smooth, with everyone contributing their expertise and supporting one another as we worked through the project.
By the second day, we finalized our pitch deck, rehearsed our presentation, and were ready to share our solution. The cherry on top: winning the hackathon was a satisfying recognition of our teamwork and preparation, and the experience left me with practical insights into legal innovation.
How was studying in such a diverse group beneficial to the learning experience?
The diversity of the group, academically, professionally, and culturally, enriched every conversation – inside and outside of class. It broadened my perspective and helped me appreciate different approaches to problem-solving, especially in global legal contexts.
What new knowledge are you going to put into practice?
I plan to apply insights from the program to improve operational workflows and explore AI-driven tools that can help shape the future of work of lawyers and legal departments.
What is the most interesting thing you learned academically and personally during the summer program?
AI is pushing professional services toward a software-like business model: scalable, efficient, and focused on measurable outcomes. For law firms, this transformation means that services once tailored for individual clients can now be offered through sophisticated digital platforms, reaching a wider audience with less friction. Firms that seize this opportunity not only unlock new markets and revenue streams but also stand to improve their operational margins and deliver faster, more accurate solutions for clients.
The shift encourages a focus on client satisfaction and transparent deliverables, reducing reliance on the traditional billable hour model in favor of value-driven pricing. As legal expertise becomes increasingly productized, those firms willing to embrace AI-powered innovation will be able to adapt quickly, respond to changes in client expectations, and stay competitive in an evolving landscape. Conversely, organizations that remain attached to conventional methodologies risk being outpaced by agile, AI-first competitors. The movement toward productization and automation is not just a technological evolution, it's a fundamental reimagining of how legal services are conceived, delivered, and valued.
Who would you recommend the program to?
I’d recommend it to legal professionals, tech enthusiasts, and students who are curious about innovation in the legal field. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your expertise, the program offers something valuable for everyone.
You’ve been living in Hamburg for a while. Can you tell us a little about why you decided to make Hamburg your home?
Hamburg offers a perfect blend of professional opportunities and high quality of life. Its international atmosphere, vibrant culture, and proximity to other European hubs make it an ideal base for both work and personal growth. As one of Germany’s largest cities and a prominent port, Hamburg offers a strong economy without the intensity often associated with metropolitan areas.
The city is beautiful, very green and surrounded by water, it offers innumerous opportunities for outdoor activities, and you can easily get the “vacation atmosphere” within the city or nearby during the weekends. Having lived in various countries and cities, I have consistently found Hamburg to be my preferred place of residence over the years.
Is there anything else you would like to share with future international students at Bucerius?
Be open to new ideas and connections! Bucerius fosters a dynamic and inclusive environment where you can learn, grow, and build lasting relationships. Make the most of every moment, you’ll leave with more than just academic knowledge.
Juliana, thank you for the Interview.
