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Alumni profile - Aline Fuke Fachinetti

Thu 12 December 2024

Aline Fachinetti

Aline Fuke Fachinetti, LLM in Innovation, Technology and the Law, 2022

Tell us a little bit about your life/background before Edinburgh Law School

Before joining Edinburgh Law School, I was already building a career focused on the intersection of law and technology. In my role as a privacy and data protection professional in Brazil, I developed a strong interest in how legal frameworks can enable technological innovation while protecting individual rights. This experience gave me firsthand insight into the challenges organisations face in navigating rapidly evolving regulatory requirements. It also motivated me to deepen my expertise in the legal aspects of emerging technologies and explore their practical applications – which takes us to why I decided to study at the University of Edinburgh.

What did you study at Edinburgh Law School and why did you choose the programme?

I chose the LLM in Innovation, Technology, and the Law because of its unique focus on combining legal studies with emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud computing. The chance to learn from leading experts in a city as inspiring as Edinburgh made it an easy decision. Being a Chevening Scholar added an extra layer to the experience, connecting me to a global network of professionals committed to driving change.

And studying in a city with a castle watching over it? It perfectly captured the blend of history, culture, and cutting-edge challenges that defined my time there.

What do you think is unique to the Edinburgh Law School experience and what are some of your favourite memories?

The community at Edinburgh Law School was special and really multicultural. Engaging with classmates from various countries and backgrounds broadened my perspective and made the experience very enriching. Some of these connections grew into lasting friendships, and after graduation, part of our group even reunited at a classmate’s wedding in India - highlighting the strong bonds we built during the programme.

Academically, the experience was also amazing. I received funding to attend a summer school at a European university, which allowed me to explore different legal systems and deepen my understanding of comparative law. Another highlight was representing the university in a competition in Madrid, which combined professional growth, teamwork, and a touch of adventure.

Working with professors like Burkhard Schafer was especially influential. His mentorship pushed me to think critically about the intersection of law and technology, as well as the importance of multidisciplinary approaches – something I carry with me in my work and future publications.

Overall, the whole team working at the University was supportive and always encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and approach complex issues with greater confidence and a fresh perspective.

What have you been up to since graduating/what are you doing after graduation (e.g., your professional or further academic pursuits since leaving Edinburgh Law School) and how have your degree studies with us helped you in this?

I’m now a Senior Manager at a multinational financial services company, where I tackle the challenges of data protection and, more recently, AI governance across multiple countries. My LLM helped me sharpen the interdisciplinary skills needed to navigate these emerging tech landscapes and gave me the confidence to address complex ethical questions around technology (including AI) and ethics that aren't always easy, but are deeply necessary.

Since returning to Brazil, I have been actively involved in different initiatives, including organising the BR-UK AI Governance Summit and coordinating books (Responsible AI and Privacy Operations, both featuring leading experts and respected editors). Beyond this, I’ve taught classes, spoken on panels, and contributed to critical discussions about the intersection of technology, governance, and ethics.

What advice would you give current Edinburgh Law School students?

My top three pieces of advice for current Edinburgh Law School students:

  1. Make the most of the incredible diversity around you. Time flies, so engage deeply with your classmates and professors - those connections will shape your thinking and open doors you never imagined. The people you meet could become future colleagues or, who knows, lifelong friends.
     
  2. Don’t limit yourself to traditional legal paths; the most exciting opportunities often lie where law intersects with innovation. Embracing multidisciplinarity will probably broaden your perspective and equip you with fresh approaches to problem-solving and addressing challenges in our rapidly changing world.
     
  3. Of course, enjoy and immerse yourself in all that Edinburgh has to offer. The city is a treasure, from its historic streets, taking in the breathtaking views at Calton Hill and hikes up Arthur’s Seat, to spotting Highland cows at Swanston Farm or venturing into the Highlands for the weekend. Let its energy inspire you – it is as much a part of your experience as the hours spent writing your essays or the classrooms of Old College.
     
Find out more about the LLM in Innovation, Technology and the Law programme 

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