Carolina Mariani

Carolina Mariani, a Legal Advisor at EDpuzzle, Inc., specializes in intellectual property and contract law. She drafts, negotiates, and ensures compliance for the company's legal agreements. After completing her LL.M. in International Commercial Law at Kent in 2018, she transitioned from aviation to tech, leveraging her expertise in cross-border legal matters. Carolina aims to focus on AI law, contributing to responsible innovation. 

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduating from Kent, I moved to Spain and began my career as an in-house lawyer. I initially worked in the aviation industry, gaining valuable experience navigating complex regulatory environments. My career then took a new direction as I transitioned into the technology sector, broadening my expertise in legal matters within dynamic and innovative industries. Currently, I’m focused on the EdTech industry, where I provide legal guidance and support to help shape the future of education through technology. This diverse experience has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, adapting to different sectors and challenges.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

A typical workday as a Legal Advisor in Intellectual Property involves a blend of strategic and advisory responsibilities. My day often begins with reviewing and drafting intellectual property agreements, ensuring that the company’s rights are well-protected in all commercial contracts. I spend a significant portion of my time negotiating and interpreting these agreements, collaborating with various departments to address their specific legal needs. In addition to IP matters, I provide legal advice on a wide range of topics, including contract law, corporate governance, and marketing and advertising issues, while also monitoring compliance with local and international laws. My role requires staying up-to-date with legal developments and offering proactive solutions to mitigate potential risks, ensuring that the company operates within a secure legal framework. 

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

One of the most significant highlights of my career has been my involvement in major M&A agreements with key players on the international stage. These transactions were complex, requiring meticulous legal due diligence and strategic negotiations to ensure that our intellectual property and other key assets were protected throughout the process. Working alongside cross-functional teams and international stakeholders, I played a pivotal role in navigating the legal intricacies of these deals, contributing to the successful integration and expansion of our business. This experience not only enhanced my expertise in mergers and acquisitions but also underscored the importance of collaboration and attention to detail in high-stakes legal environments. 

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My time at Kent was instrumental in shaping my career, providing me with an international perspective that has been crucial to my success. The diverse and global environment at Kent introduced me to a different legal system, broadening my understanding of the law beyond a single jurisdiction. This new international scope was a game-changer, equipping me with the knowledge and confidence to pursue and excel in roles that require cross-border legal expertise. Kent truly opened the doors to a global career, enabling me to thrive in international positions and industries.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

My advice to current and prospective students aiming to enter the field of law, particularly in intellectual property and international business, is to embrace a global perspective from the start. Seize opportunities to study different legal systems and understand how laws interact across borders. Stay curious and proactive in keeping up with legal trends, especially in rapidly evolving industries like technology. Lastly, be adaptable and open to new challenges, your ability to navigate complex legal landscapes will be a key asset throughout your career.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

During my time at Kent, while I didn't participate in traditional extracurricular activities, I was deeply engaged in academic and community life as a Kent Law School Postgraduate Scholarship holder and a Kent Law School Ambassador. These roles allowed me to contribute actively to the law school community, support fellow students, and represent the institution in various capacities, which enriched my experience and connection to the university. 

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Looking back, I’m very satisfied with my time at Kent and the opportunities I embraced. However, if I could repeat my experience, I might explore more of the diverse extracurricular activities available on campus or take part in some of the university’s wider events and societies. While I was deeply involved in my roles as a Kent Law School Postgraduate Scholarship holder and a Kent Law School Ambassador, I think broadening my involvement could have further enriched my overall experience. 

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

I stay in touch with some Kent alumni via LinkedIn, which makes it easier to maintain connections and keep up with each other’s professional journeys. 

What are your future ambitions?

My future ambitions are to continue advancing my career in the tech sector, with a particular focus on intellectual property law. I'm especially interested in the legal aspects surrounding AI technologies and am passionate about the intersection of law and innovation. I aspire to play a key role in developing legal frameworks that support and guide the responsible advancement of AI technologies.