Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has launched a MicroCert in Disruptive Technologies at its annual Tech Business & Law Conference in Silicon Valley. 

The NRF MicroCert program aims to introduce participants to key technologies shaping business as well as the legal, regulatory and risk issues related to their deployment and can be accessed through the NRF Institute, the firm’s premium knowledge site. The program, which is available at no cost to clients and key contacts of the firm, is designed to equip participants with practical disruptive technology legal skills. 

To obtain a MicroCert in Disruptive Technologies, participants must complete five core modules and five elective modules. The five core modules cover: artificial intelligence (AI); blockchain /distributed ledger technology (DLT); autonomous vehicles; data; and the Internet of Things (IoT). The 13 available elective modules delve into industry-specific topics including cryptocurrencies, InfraTech, payments, and digital health. Each module consists of a 30-minute on-demand webinar led by the firm’s lawyers from across all regions, followed by a multiple choice assessment.

Nick Abrahams, Norton Rose Fulbright’s Global Head of Technology and Innovation and producer of the MicroCert Program, commented: 

“Our new MicroCert is a powerful addition to the firm’s range of learning solutions and provides clients and key contacts with a series of easy to follow resources for all levels. Disruptive technologies are changing the world and the way it works. Given the pace of change in this space, it can be challenging to stay on top of the latest developments. We have built a wealth of global knowhow in the disruptive tech space and want to share this with broader industries, through knowledge transfer, to improve productivity and continue to drive innovation.” 

Peter Martyr, Norton Rose Fulbright’s Global Chief Executive, said: 

“This latest development is one of several initiatives we have launched to further enhance the innovative services we provide to clients. The MicroCert will help our clients and other course participants navigate the risks of digital disruption by providing greater clarity on the opportunities these technologies present.” 

Nicholas Fernandez, Citibank’s General Counsel, Asia Pacific Legal - Intellectual Property, Operations & Technology Law Group, commented:

“I highly recommend this MicroCert to any organisation that believes technologies such as AI, DLT and IoT are part of our inalienable future and that appreciates the enormous pressures to upskill employees for the competitive edge today. Norton Rose Fulbright’s thoughtfully curated ‎compendium of core disruptive technology modules are essential for lawyers looking to prepare themselves in these transformative times.”

Norton Rose Fulbright’s second annual Tech Business & Law Conference takes place today in Silicon Valley, focussing on the challenges that technology businesses face in increasingly complex regulatory environments when operating globally. Six interactive sessions will be presented by global legal advisors from Norton Rose Fulbright and panellists from companies such as Salesforce, Facebook, Silicon Valley Bank, Technology Crossover Ventures, Sorenson Capital, Isramco, Ancestry and UCLA.

Norton Rose Fulbright continues to drive innovation, growth and client value to optimise legal service delivery.  Most recently, the firm has introduced its Technology Consulting, Legal Operations Consulting and Global Payments practices;the NT Analyzer data protection tool and document automation alliance NRF SYKE.   

Norton Rose Fulbright has also been recognised this year by several leading industry bodies for its achievements in the client innovation space, including FT Innovative Lawyers Asia Pacific and The Lawyer Europe Awards.