KorumLegal Consultant: Emma Carter highlights the role of NewLaw and ALSPs in shaping the future of legal services..

This month, our KorumLegal Consultant is Emma Carter, an exceptionally organised, dedicated, and highly effective General Counsel, boasting extensive experience across London, Paris, Melbourne, and Singapore. Emma consistently delivers expert advice and strategic solutions at Board and C-Suite levels, addressing a broad spectrum of corporate and commercial issues for large multinational corporations. She is dual-qualified in English and Australian law. Emma's extensive legal expertise spans commercial law, corporate IT, intellectual property rights, advertising and marketing, litigation, regulatory and compliance, employment, and data protection and privacy. Renowned for her excellent interpersonal and administrative skills, Emma excels in building successful relationships with diverse stakeholders. Her tenacity and innovative approach ensure optimal outcomes. A natural team player and leader, Emma seamlessly integrates into any team to lead and manage local counsel in Singapore or globally.

1. Hi Emma! Can you tell us a little about the work you are currently doing and have been doing?

I’m currently engaged in general commercial and privacy work for a few different clients, primarily supporting businesses with contract drafting and negotiation and general compliance. My recent projects include reviewing the T&Cs for a tech start-up and working on sponsorship arrangements for a drinks company.

2. What made you take the leap into working in NewLaw for ALSPs? And why is it a good fit for you?

I was drawn to NewLaw and Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) because of their innovative approach to delivering legal services and client-centric solutions. After years in-house, I sought a career path that offered the flexibility to work on a remote basis, allowing me to manage family life, live remotely and flexibility to travel while engaging in challenging legal work. NewLaw’s remote work model, combined with its collaborative and tech-driven nature, aligns perfectly with my lifestyle and professional goals, enabling me to leverage my expertise in privacy and commercial law in dynamic, forward-thinking environments.

3. What's the most rewarding assignment you've ever had and why?

One of my most rewarding assignments was working on a sponsorship deal for a drinks brand. Although the sponsorship didn’t go ahead, I found the work fascinating because it required navigating complex legal and commercial landscapes and the opportunity to engage with creative marketing strategies made it incredibly engaging and rewarding.

4. As an experienced NewLaw/ALSP consultant, where do you see NewLaw/ALSPs fitting into the matrix of the legal sector and how have you seen it evolve?

NewLaw and ALSPs occupy a critical niche in the legal sector, bridging the gap between traditional law firms and in-house legal teams. They provide cost-effective, scalable, and specialised services that cater to businesses needing agile solutions. Over the past few years, I’ve seen ALSPs evolve from primarily handling high-volume, repetitive tasks to offering sophisticated services like strategic consulting, technology integration, and cross-border compliance. This shift reflects growing client demand for flexibility and innovation, positioning ALSPs as indispensable partners in the modern legal ecosystem.

5. What trends do you expect to see in the legal services industry in the next 5 years?

I anticipate several key trends shaping the legal services industry by 2030. First, technology adoption will accelerate, with AI-driven tools streamlining contract analysis, due diligence, and compliance tasks. Second, remote and hybrid work models will become standard, enabling firms and ALSPs to tap into global talent pools. Third, there will be a stronger focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, & Governance) compliance, driving demand for expertise in sustainable business practices. Finally, clients will increasingly seek value-driven, transparent pricing models, pushing ALSPs to innovate further in delivering cost-effective solutions.

6. Your favourite tune? And why? 

My favourite tune changes all the time, but I have a soft spot for old-school classics. I’ll always hit the dancefloor and have a singalong when “Dancing Queen” by ABBA comes on.