We’ve talked a bit this year about development and the importance of continuous learning. Taking the time to keep exploring new things, mastering new skills—that’s essential not just to professional success, but to personal fulfillment, right?
A little growth mindset never hurt anybody. But surely some days, you’re like me, and you find yourself thinking: “how in the world does anyone have time for that?”
The everyday responsibilities of our work and home lives, in addition to basic self-care and some hobby time, tend to leave us with very little wiggle room. Very little time for grandiose ideas like “continuing education,” “professional development,” and “exploration.”
I get that; I feel it more often than not. But I would like to reassure you that this balance is possible. There can be carve-outs for learning even amidst all that chaos. When we get comfortable making some compromises, letting go of our own too-high expectations, protecting our priorities, and stepping out of our comfort zone, these dominoes can all fall together into beautiful patterns of life and work.
Recently, the team at Kroll, a Relativity partner, reached out to nominate a couple of their colleagues for spotlights as Stellar Women. They were generous with praise and admiration, sharing with us all the ways these women stand out on the team for their enthusiasm, supportive mindset, brilliance, curiosity, and, perhaps most impressively, the balance with which they approach all of these interests and roles.
I was delighted to interview both, and today I’d like to share the first: a Q&A with Jyoti Singhal, a manager at Kroll whom her colleagues described as “a rare blend of technical brilliance, relentless curiosity, and a deep commitment to uplifting those around her.”
I think you can hear every bit of those incredible qualities in Jyoti’s interview responses. Keep reading to get to know her a little, and don’t forget to shout out the #StellarWomen in your life via LinkedIn—we’d love to get to know them, too.
Sam Bock: Tell us a little about yourself, your experience in the legal industry, and what drew you to this line of work.
Jyoti Singhal: My name is Jyoti, and I am a manager on the Cyber & Data Resilience team at Kroll. With a total of seven years of experience, four of which are in e-discovery, my journey in this field has been quite remarkable. When I first got into e-discovery, I didn't really know what to expect. I thought I'd be using my data science skills in the legal tech space, but once I started working on e-discovery, I knew I had found my true calling.
It was love at first sight. I was blown away by the tools and technologies used to pull insights from unstructured data and help legal firms. The ability to draw meaningful conclusions from huge amounts of unstructured content and support legal processes has been both fascinating and fulfilling. This field has let me combine my passion for data science with the dynamic and impactful world of legal technology.
What are some of your personal interests? What are you passionate about?
I'm always excited to learn new things and keep up with the latest trends, whether it's diving into Relativity aiR or making fun TikTok reels. As a mom of two energetic kids, I've noticed that their interests often become mine too. I used to love just relaxing and unwinding in my free time, but since becoming a parent, my personal interests have definitely evolved.
These days, I really enjoy exploring new places and trying out different cuisines with my family. One of our favorite things to do is spend time in escape rooms, where we get to solve puzzles and figure our way out together. It's a blast!
You have a master’s degree in data science. What led you to that field of study? How do you find yourself applying it to your work in the legal field?
I went for a master’s degree in data science because I've always been fascinated by how powerful data can be in driving meaningful insights and decisions. Data science is the perfect mix of my love for math, stats, and tech, letting me solve complex problems and find patterns in huge data sets. One of my proudest moments during my studies was writing a paper on the sentiment analysis of COVID-19 vaccines in my final year, which got published in a peer-reviewed journal.
In my current role in the legal field, I use my data science skills in a bunch of ways. For example, I dive into advanced data analytics to process and analyze tons of unstructured data, like emails and documents, to find relevant info for legal cases. This helps legal teams build stronger cases and make better decisions. My data science background also helps me get the most out of various analytics tools on e-discovery platforms, like Relativity aiR, Review Center, sentiment analysis, and conceptual analysis.
Your colleagues tell us they admire how you balance career and family life; what advice do you have for others still figuring out how to strike this balance?
Balancing career and family life can be tough, but it's definitely doable with the right approach. I remember struggling a lot to maintain this balance in my initial days. There were days when I didn't see my kids at all, and it left me feeling guilty. I knew I had to make a change, and it was up to me to make things better from that point on. Luckily, I've been fortunate to have a supportive team who always steps in to help when they see me struggling. Open communication with your employer and family is key, as it leads to better understanding and support from both sides.
It's important to prioritize and plan your day and week in advance, making sure you allocate time effectively for both work and personal responsibilities. Setting clear boundaries between work and family time helps maintain a healthy balance. When you're at work, focus on your tasks, and when you're with your family, be fully present. Don't hesitate to delegate tasks and seek support from colleagues, family members, or professional services when needed. No one will know you need help unless you ask for it, and there's no shame in admitting that balancing everything isn't easy. After all, we're only human.
Your colleague also pointed out your passion for what’s new and what’s next in legal tech. What recent advancements are you most excited about and why? How do you stay ahead of the latest innovations?
I'm really excited about some of the recent advancements in legal tech. One of the coolest things is the use of AI for legal research and document automation. AI tools can quickly sift through massive amounts of data to find relevant information, which saves a ton of time and reduces errors.
To stay ahead of the latest innovations, I make sure to keep learning and stay curious. I follow industry news, attend webinars, and participate in online forums where professionals share their insights and experiences. Networking with others in the field is also super helpful. Plus, I love experimenting with new tools and technologies to see how they can improve our work processes. Recently I got an opportunity to work on contract analytics, where I used some machine learning and generative AI models, and I was super fascinated by the results and their accuracy.
Overall, it's an exciting time to be in legal tech, and I'm always looking forward to what's coming next!
What’s the importance of mentorship for our industry, especially among female professionals?
Mentorship is super important in any industry, especially for women. Having a mentor can really help you navigate the ups and downs of your career. For women, mentorship provides guidance, support, and a sense of community, which is crucial in fields like legal tech, where gender gaps still exist.
A good mentor can boost your confidence, help you learn new skills, and expand your professional network. They share valuable insights and advice from their own experiences, which can be really empowering. Plus, having someone to turn to for advice and encouragement can make a big difference in your career growth and personal development.
For female professionals, mentorship also helps break down barriers and create more inclusive workplaces. It fosters a supportive and collaborative culture, making it easier for women to thrive and succeed. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, finding a mentor can be a game-changer.
What advice do you have for someone first starting out in this space? What about for someone who has plenty of experience, but is looking to make a change?
For someone just starting out in this space, my advice would be to stay curious and open-minded. Dive into learning as much as you can about the tools and technologies used in legal tech. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from more experienced colleagues. Networking is also key—connect with others in the field through conferences, webinars, and online forums. And most importantly, be patient with yourself. It takes time to get the hang of things, but your enthusiasm and willingness to learn will take you far. Just remember: Rome wasn't built in a day!
For someone with plenty of experience looking to make a change, whether it's toward AI or moving between roles or organizations, I'd say embrace the change and leverage your existing skills. If you're moving toward AI, start by brushing up on the basics of machine learning and data science. There are plenty of online courses and resources to help you get started. If you're switching organizations, focus on how your experience can bring value to your new role. Highlight your adaptability and willingness to learn new things. Change can be daunting, but it's also an opportunity for growth and new experiences. So, go for it with confidence!
