Techlegality: Reflection
By Victoria Willingham • December 30, 2020 •Writers in Residence
In true end-of-the-year fashion, I find myself in a time of reflection. Some of my thoughts have centered around my journey as a 2020 Writer in Residence. I remember when I first discovered the Ms. JD platform as a nervous law student. Constantly in search of inspiration, I often found guidance in reading various articles from the blog. As a result, I was elated when the opportunity arose for me to serve as a columnist. Never in a million years could I have anticipated that this experience would coincide with one of the most notable years in modern history. As…
Techlegality: Emerging Regulations to Limit Big Tech in the U.K.
By Victoria Willingham • December 01, 2020 •Writers in Residence
Working in the legal field, I find that I am most often intrigued by the emergence of new laws where precedence does not exist. Fortunately, the intersection of technology and law creates a space where that scenario plays out on a regular basis. As big tech continues to evolve, various government bodies have started directly addressing competition concerns within the digital market. In efforts to grant consumers more control and choice regarding their data and to ensure the fair treatment of businesses, the U.K. has created a new competition regime within the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA). The Digital Markets Unit…
Techlegality: Shaping Policy
By Victoria Willingham • October 31, 2020 •Writers in Residence
With Election Day in just a few days, I am reminded of how policy shapes our society and the way we live. In a one-of-a-kind year that has sparked unprecedented social movements and calls for reform, the way individuals view and conceptualize policy has greatly shifted. As a result, who shapes policies has become more important than ever. I recently attended a panel discussion that covered the current status of tech policy from a diversity and inclusion perspective in both the private sector and the public sector. There were so many interesting points throughout the discussion, but one overarching…
Techlegality: A Moment to Reflect. Thanks, RBG.
By Victoria Willingham • October 01, 2020
This year has been filled with so many remarkable moments, which makes it difficult not to acknowledge their impact on our lives when they happen. As a result, I thought it would be a good idea to use this month’s column to appreciate the life and legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In expressing my appreciation, it is not my intention to even attempt to capture the countless contributions she made to enhance the lives of women and marginalized groups in this country. Instead, I took some moments to reflect and honor the fact that many of the…
Techlegality: Expanding Broadband Access to Close the Homework Gap
By Victoria Willingham • August 31, 2020 •Writers in Residence
With fall quickly approaching, online school is in full swing for students due to the ongoing global health crisis. As a result of the requirement to operate in a virtual setting, having access to adequate internet is more prevalent than ever. Many students, however, do not have the luxury of readily available internet access. Often referred to as the homework gap as a result of the digital divide, groups of students are disproportionately disadvantaged to what may seem like an inevitable, basic necessity to most people. As the need to have internet access at home continues, various levels of government have…
Techlegality: On Being a Change Agent No Matter the Path
By Victoria Willingham • July 30, 2020 •Writers in Residence
In true 2020 fashion, the past few weeks have been marked by a monumental moment in history. Congressman John Lewis passed away, and the nation will never be the same. As I read and learn more about his life, I am both fascinated and empowered. Through all of the coverage, my thoughts have gone in many directions, but I’ve been most fixated on his concept of getting into “good trouble.” A trailblazer and civil rights icon, Congressman Lewis recognized that in order to create change, we must speak up and take action when we identify something unsettling. This ideology resonates…
Techlegality: Where Do We Go from Here?
By Victoria Willingham • June 30, 2020 •Writers in Residence
In the midst of arguably the biggest social movement of my generation, conversations surrounding inclusion have become increasingly prevalent. This unprecedented atmosphere of change has required me to engage in dialogues with colleagues and associates about what it truly means to cultivate environments (professional, social, etc.) that properly encompass the experiences of people of color and other marginalized groups. The overwhelming truth is that the recent happenings are not isolated events. Everyday, people of color are faced with the responsibility of figuring out how to navigate their daily lives with the implications of their existence as minorities. This interplay between…
Techlegality: The Intersection of Healthcare, Law, and Tech – Interview with Damika W. Barr
By Victoria Willingham • May 30, 2020 •Writers in Residence, Careers, Politics and Government, Issues, Mentoring and Networking
There is no question that technology is shaping the future of healthcare, especially now. I recently had the opportunity to sit down (virtually) with Damika W. Barr, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations at Verily Life Sciences. Wearing many titles, Damika is a wife, mother, attorney, thought leader, and healthcare champion. Throughout the course of our discussion, Damika shared great insight into her career path and how she navigates a role uniquely positioned at the intersection of healthcare, law, and technology. I enjoyed every moment of this interview, and I hope the same for you. VW: Let’s get right…
Techlegality: Virtual as the New Reality
By Victoria Willingham • April 30, 2020 •Writers in Residence
As the global health crisis continues, it has become increasingly evident that “virtual is the new reality” in many scenarios. From law school classes to court proceedings, online platforms have become the primary resources for staying connected. These transitions largely came out of necessity to allow individuals to fulfill their educational requirements or to maintain law and order. In other instances, the use of online forums developed out of creativity. From family meetings and birthday parties to live concerts and happy hours, people have been determined to connect despite the circumstances. At the height of the transition to using online…