Gideon Korrell Reveals How Engineering Thinking Enhances Legal Strategy

In today’s world, where technology and law are constantly crossing paths, legal expert Gideon Korrell is making a case for an unexpected but powerful connection: the value of engineering thinking in legal practice. With a background in both disciplines, Gideon Korrell believes that lawyers can greatly improve their work by applying principles used in engineering.

In a recent interview, Korrell shared how engineering methods can improve legal strategies, problem-solving, and client service. Here's how he's connecting the dots—and why it matters.

Breaking Down Legal Problems Like an Engineer

Engineers are known for solving complex problems. Their training involves breaking big challenges into smaller, more manageable pieces. Korrell says this is exactly what lawyers need to do—especially when dealing with cases that have many moving parts.

“For example,” he explains, “when dealing with a corporate dispute, there could be financial data, contracts, emails, and multiple parties involved. Instead of looking at it all at once, the engineer in me starts by mapping out the structure. What's the root of the issue? What variables are at play? What’s the chain of events?”

This mindset helps legal professionals avoid getting overwhelmed and instead approach their cases with clarity and precision.

Thinking Ahead with Systems and Structure

Another key principle from engineering is systems thinking—understanding how different parts work together and how one change affects the whole. In law, this translates into anticipating outcomes and understanding how one clause in a contract, for instance, can impact a business deal down the road.

“Law isn’t just about reacting,” says Korrell. “It’s about designing solutions that are stable and scalable—just like building a bridge or a machine. You want it to work not just today, but for years to come.”

This way of thinking helps lawyers build long-term legal strategies instead of just solving short-term problems.

Using Technology to Work Smarter

With technology advancing rapidly, Korrell emphasizes the importance of legal professionals embracing tools that engineers have used for years: automation, data analysis, and digital workflows.

Legal work is often slow and repetitive, especially when it comes to reviewing documents or writing standard contracts. “Why not automate what you can?” Gideon Korrell asks. “That saves time and reduces human error.”

He points to AI-powered tools that help lawyers quickly find relevant case law or spot risky language in contracts. Engineers have long used data and software to optimize processes. Now, law firms can do the same.

Client-Focused Legal Design

Engineers are trained to build solutions with the end-user in mind. Korrell says the same approach can make legal services better for clients.

“Most clients don’t understand legal jargon or complex processes. We have to meet them where they are,” he explains. That means designing legal experiences that are easy to understand, access, and trust.

Korrell supports tools like client dashboards, secure messaging platforms, and clear, simple billing—ideas borrowed from software engineering that make legal services more client-friendly.

Data Privacy and Risk Management

Security is another area where engineering thinking is crucial. Korrell believes that law firms need to treat data protection with the same seriousness that tech companies do.

“Every law firm handles sensitive data—whether it’s personal info, financial records, or confidential agreements,” he says. “We need strong systems in place to prevent leaks or breaches.”

This means investing in secure storage, encrypted communication, and regular audits—just like engineers do when building digital infrastructure.

Remote Work and Digital Collaboration

Finally, Korrell points out that remote work has made digital tools more essential than ever. “In engineering, remote collaboration has been standard for years,” he says. “Legal teams need to catch up.”

Cloud-based, shared virtual meeting tools allow legal teams to stay connected and productive from anywhere. This approach boosts flexibility without sacrificing quality.

Final Thoughts

Gideon Korrell’s message is simple but powerful: engineering thinking isn’t just for engineers—it’s a smart way to approach law in the 21st century.

By breaking down problems logically, designing solutions carefully, and using technology effectively, lawyers can better serve their clients, protect sensitive data, and adapt to a fast-paced world.

As Korrell puts it, “The law is changing. The old way won’t work forever. If we want to stay ahead, we need to think like engineers.”