The Story of Helena Hallgarn: A Pioneer in Legal Tech

Helena Hallgarn is a pioneer in the legal tech industry in Scandinavia, having founded Virtual Intelligence VQ in 2010. At Virtual Intelligence VQ, she has leveraged her legal expertise and IT skills to develop groundbreaking IT solutions for the legal sector, with her flagship product, VQ Legal, being used by a staggering 90% of Sweden's top law firms, as well as numerous others.

Background and Early Interest in Technology

Helena's journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a background in law. She started her career as an associate at Mannheimer Swartling, one of the largest law firms in Sweden. During her time at the firm, she developed a keen interest in modernizing legal work and began delving into legal technology long before it became a recognized concept.

The Tipping Point: Inspiration and Motivation

Helena's interest in technology was further fueled by an initiative introduced by Mannheimer Swartling, which aimed to transform the legal profession using computer-based methods to access knowledge. Around the same time, Richard Susskind published his book, "The Future of Law," which inspired Helena to take part in the transformative journey of legal technology.

Establishing Virtual Intelligence VQ

After accumulating experience in legal tech and knowledge management across three different law firms, Helena decided to shift her focus to a business where her expertise could take center stage. She teamed up with Ann Björk at Vinge and together, they embarked on the venture known as Virtual Intelligence VQ. Their objective was to develop tools that could be utilized by multiple law firms.

Philosophy and Approach

To achieve success, Helena believes in maintaining a clear and unwavering focus on a well-defined objective, understanding precisely what they intend to achieve, along with the reasons why and how. This approach involves designating one individual as accountable for the project and granting them the authority to make detailed decisions during its course.

Unique Approach and Market Focus

When launching their venture, Helena and Ann decided not to follow the trend of scaling and expanding internationally. Instead, they chose to concentrate their efforts on the Swedish market, carving out a unique niche here. This deliberate decision allowed them to establish an online tool that has gained significant recognition in the legal market and earned the trust of some of the largest law firms in the country.

Collaboration and Future of Legal Tech

As an Ambassador for ELTA (European Legal Technology Association), Helena believes that international collaboration is crucial in driving forward the development of legal tech. By harnessing the power of collaboration, we can not only stay at the forefront of industry trends but also actively shape the future of legal technology.

In conclusion, Helena Hallgarn's story is a testament to her passion for technology and law. Her dedication to driving forward innovation in the legal sector has led to significant success and recognition in Scandinavia. As we look to the future, it is clear that Helena will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of legal technology.

Helena Hallgarn | CEO of Virtual Intelligence VQ

Helena Hallgarn is a pioneer in legal tech with over 20 years of experience in the industry. She is currently CEO of Virtual Intelligence VQ, a leading provider of legal tech solutions. She is also an Ambassador for ELTA (European Legal Technology Association) and has written numerous articles on legal tech topics.