Women In Technology Campaign - Chiara Vega

With over two decades of experience in electronic discovery, Chiara Vega is a seasoned professional specializing in providing innovative and cost-effective solutions for law firms and corporate clients. She has guided organizations through complex litigation and investigations leveraging deep expertise in data management, technology-assisted review (TAR), and defensible workflows.

Chiara is adept at bridging the gap between legal and technical teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and optimal outcomes. She has worked on cases involving high-stakes disputes, cross-border investigations, and data privacy concerns, consistently delivering results that meet stringent legal and regulatory requirements.

Throughout her career, Chiara has built a reputation for staying at the forefront of eDiscovery trends, including advancements in artificial intelligence and data analytics. Chiara also advises on information governance strategies to mitigate risk and enhance organizational efficiency.

A trusted advisor and thought leader, Chiara Vega is dedicated to helping clients navigate the evolving eDiscovery landscape with precision, integrity, and strategic insight.

How did you get into this industry?

I got my start in the legal industry back in 2000, selling copying services to law firms across Chicago with a company called IKON. As the industry began transitioning from paper to digital, IKON started replacing traditional copiers with scanners. That shift introduced me to Concordance, one of the early tools in electronic discovery. My interest was immediately piqued. Soon after, I joined LexisNexis and made it a point to move into their eDiscovery software division—eventually landing on the team that sold Concordance and Law PreDiscovery. That was the beginning of my journey into eDiscovery, and I haven’t looked back since.

What were some of the pivotal moments in your career that helped you get to where you are today?

Long before I entered the legal tech space, I started my sales career at 19 years old, going door to door selling books. It was one of the toughest jobs I’ve ever had, but it taught me grit, resilience, and the value of genuine connection — lessons that have stayed with me through every stage of my career. While at LexisNexis, I was fortunate to meet a female mentor who saw my potential and encouraged me to lean into the world of technology sales. That support was a turning point—it gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities I might have otherwise overlooked.

Of course, like many careers, mine hasn't followed a straight line. After being laid off during a company restructuring at another eDiscovery provider, I took a leap and joined a startup in the eDiscovery space. It was a risk, but also one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. Startups teach you to wear a lot of hats and move fast—and I thrived in that environment.

Throughout it all, the support and community I’ve found through organizations like WiE and ACEDs have been invaluable. It’s powerful to be part of a network that not only uplifts women in this industry but also pushes the entire field forward through collaboration and innovation. Looking back, each chapter—whether challenging or triumphant—has shaped the path I’m on today.

Have you ever noticed a time in your career where your gender proved to differentiate you?

As a woman in sales and tech, I’ve faced the reality of being the only woman in the room and pay inequality firsthand. Early in my career, I didn’t always recognize my worth—or feel equipped to speak up about it. Like many women, I assumed that hard work alone would be enough to close the gap. Over time, though, I began to understand the importance of not just delivering value but articulating it. I learned how to confidently negotiate, advocate for myself, and ask the questions that matter. It wasn’t always easy, but with each experience, I developed a stronger sense of what I bring to the table—and a deeper commitment to mentoring others to do the same.

What is your advice for someone working in a predominately male workplace?

To the next generation of women stepping into legal tech: know that your voice, perspective, and presence matter—especially in a space that has traditionally been male-dominated. Don’t wait for permission to take up space or speak with authority. Learn your craft, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who challenge and champion you. If you are the smartest person in a room, you are in the wrong room!  Find mentors, but also be open to mentoring others, no matter where you are in your journey. Advocate for yourself—especially when it comes to pay, promotions, and opportunities. And remember that confidence grows with experience and failure.  Failure is not the opposite of success.  It’s the foundation of it.

What do you think companies could do to motivate more women to pursue careers in technology?

There are a number of things that would help, but I believe it starts with leadership.  If you ensure women are visible in leadership roles, on panels, in product development teams, and across the organization, this helps normalize and inspire upward mobility. Create structured mentorship programs that connect junior women with experienced professionals.

Transparent Compensation and Promotion Practices are important too.  I spent much of my earlier career being underpaid for the same role that my male counterparts had.  But I didn’t know it.  I just assumed I was being paid fairly and equally.  Pay equity audits, clear career progression paths, and open conversations about compensation help close the gender gap and build trust.

Lastly, flexible work environments are important.  Legal tech can be demanding, and flexibility in where and how work gets done can make the field more accessible to women balancing caregiving responsibilities or other commitments.