Elle Farrell-Kingsley is studying the MSc Legal Technology online with us. We caught up with Elle to learn more about her recent award successes, how embracing the unexpected led to her career in law and AI, and how the University has helped her career development.
By April Baniqued. Published 16 April 2025.
Defining my career ambition has always been a challenge, as I’ve never followed a conventional route. I work at the intersection of law, emerging technology and policy, with projects that didn’t even exist when I was growing up.
So far, my work has taken me into the worlds of AI, quantum computing and digital rights. I’m continuously drawn to the questions that shape the future: how law, ethics and technology evolve in response to one another. In this case, I'd argue that technology has outpaced the law and now there’s a real need for regulation. This has led to media features in BBC, Forbes, TechRound and Yahoo, where I’ve contributed insights on AI ethics, policy and even broader societal issues.
This path came to me through an insatiable curiosity about the impact of emerging technologies. Over time, that transformed into a career. I aim to scale PsyberVision, my AI advisory, where I focus on policy consultation, educational initiatives and strategic foresight. I don’t believe in rigidly defining the future; after all, the most interesting opportunities tend to be the ones you never see coming.
Being named one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics and receiving the Tech100 Women award have been significant moments in my career, not just as personal achievements but as recognitions of my contributions to ethical AI discourse.
Beyond awards, my work has spanned future foresight with the School of International Futures (SOIF) to advising international NGOs, governments and enterprises on AI policy, leading foresight initiatives for the European Commission’s Scientific Advice Mechanism.
Most recently, I’ve designed UN ITU training modules as part of its AI for Good Skills coalition, focusing on AI regulations and enhancing greater cultural diplomacy, ensuring all people have access to education on AI development for free. This experience allowed me to apply my cyberlaw and regulations education from The University of Law in a real-world setting to create a real impact.
Similarly, I’ve also had the opportunity to publish bestselling sci-fi fiction inspired by my research. Each of these accomplishments has been a step toward bridging the gap between technological innovation and its human impact.
In terms of obstacles, graduating in 2020 amid a global crisis was hardly ideal. The job market I had been preparing for essentially ceased to exist, forcing me to pivot from my original career trajectory. That pivot led me into journalism, specialising in emerging technology and policy, before eventually transitioning into working for Big Tech in AI and then advisory work in AI governance.
One defining moment came when I applied for a training contract at Bird & Bird, only to just miss out at the end of the final round. At the time, it was crushing but in retrospect, it was one of the best things that could have happened. Had I taken a traditional legal path, I wouldn’t have built the unique interdisciplinary or technical expertise I have today. Sometimes, the setbacks that feel like failures are just redirections toward something better.
It became clear that further legal training would allow me to build upon my work in policy and governance. The University of Law stood out for its reputation as the UK’s largest law provider and its practical, real-world approach, which aligned with my background in applied policy work. Simon Hale-Ross, my academic coach, has been an invaluable guide throughout my time at the University. He actively encourages my incessant questions and out-of-the-box thinking, helping me explore cyberlaw in ways that challenge and expand my perspective. His boundless knowledge and enthusiasm have made navigating this subject fun to learn.
Winning The University of Law Research Academy (ULTRA) competition and representing students in AI and technology has been a standout experience. Through this, I’ve been able to advocate for the responsible use of AI in legal education as well as how students can best utilise this technology. A student-led society focused on emerging technologies is in development as part of ULTRA.
Similarly, I’ve also had the opportunity to deliver a talk for the Legal Technology Hub, where I discussed how students can actively influence policy, transform conversations into tangible actions and balance technological expertise with digital wellbeing.
In five years, I hope to continue my advisory work on a larger scale, perhaps leading more global policy initiatives or scaling PsyberVision further. I also hope to expand my work in designing educational AI content, delivering talks and contributing to panels. There’s also the possibility of pursuing a PhD, as I’d love to contribute more to original research, specifically within AI data privacy and ethics. Ultimately, the goal isn’t just professional success but overall impact by helping to shape the evolving relationship between law, philosophy, technology and the future of its societal implications in a pivotal time.
For students looking to follow a similar career path, the fun (and perhaps freeing) part about my journey is that, on the surface, it looks interdisciplinary and unpredictable. But the common threads have always been curiosity, incessant questioning of "why" to everything, strong communication and writing skills, and a fascination with technological innovation. I never planned this exact path. Indeed, many of my most defining opportunities weren’t things I could have aimed for because they didn’t exist yet. Instead of rigidly mapping out a career, I’ve learned to embrace adaptability. Stay curious, develop a broad yet deep knowledge base and be open to the unexpected. The most interesting opportunities are often the ones you never see coming.
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