Global law firm Clyde & Co has announced that it will be introducing a six-month full-time seat for trainees in its in-house Data Lab from March 2020.

Led by Partner Mark Wing, the Lab uses data analysis supplemented with machine learning tools to develop products and services for clients.

The seat will offer trainees the opportunity to work at the intersection of law and technology. It will involve working with departments across the firm to identify new projects for the Lab to consider and assisting the Lab in developing products and services.

Mark Wing says: "The legal industry is ever changing and we want to make sure that we equip our future talent with the wide range of skills required to become a successful lawyer today. We have worked closely with the firm's Early Careers team over the last 12 months to create this opportunity, and are very excited to welcome our first trainee on board in the Data Lab this coming spring."

The Lab has six members of staff – four machine learning engineers and two paralegals, working with partners across the firm. Students from University College London's world renowned computer science department also work in the Lab on a part-time basis.

The Lab is part of Clyde & Co's focus on innovation, led by the firm's Innovation Board. In September 2017 the firm launched Clyde Code, a hybrid technical-legal consultancy advising insurers on every aspect of smart contracts, blockchain and tokens – from creation through to implementation and enforcement.

Since September 2018 the firm has been providing legal services to Komgo, a consortium of leading banks, trading and energy companies that digitalise trade and commodities finance processes through a blockchain-based open platform.

Earlier this year the firm launched a first of its kind connected parametric insurance contract, which enables it to provide clients with a new category of technology-enabled transactional legal services through Clyde Code.