A Look Inside Bolt’s Legal Team: Valeriya Kiselyova’s Internship Experience

Our Law Bachelor’s graduate Valeriya Kiselyova spent her summer as a privacy and data protection legal  intern at Bolt. Her work involved much more than basic legal theory, ranging from cross-border privacy cases to independently building an AI audit tool to help the team. Currently pursuing her Master’s degree at Lund University, Valeriya reminds anyone thinking about their next step that you do not need to know how to do everything before you get started. In an environment that changes constantly, taking the first step and staying curious is what matters most, so if you have a dream internship in mind, do not let hesitation stand in your way.

 

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1. What did a typical day actually look like for you in Bolt’s legal team? 

A typical day started with checking the task log, reviewing new assignments, and deciding which projects to prioritise. In privacy and data protection, new matters can arise unexpectedly and often come with tight deadlines, so staying organised and adapting quickly were essential. I learned to switch between different matters, anticipate potential risks, and consider possible solutions even when not all the information was available yet. 

My work involved a mix of independent research, legal analysis, document review, collaboration with colleagues and regular team meetings with the heads of the Privacy and Data Protection teams to discuss ongoing matters and broader strategies, and receive feedback on my work. 

Of course, it wasn’t all work! Lunch on the terrace with fellow interns was a daily highlight, and occasionally, I would end the day with a well-deserved break in the office massage chair. 

2. What kind of legal issues or projects did you mainly get to work on? 

"The project I am most proud of, however, was independently developing an AI-powered compliance audit tool using Claude Code, Cursor AI, n8n, and GitHub. The goal was to streamline legal review, evidence gathering, and internal compliance processes."

My work focused primarily on privacy, data protection, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment. I assessed more than nine cross-border data breach matters, conducted legal and regulatory research across up to 40 countries, and reviewed commercial agreements, privacy notices, and internal policies. This involved identifying legal risks and regulatory requirements, and translating my findings into practical recommendations for the business. 

The project I am most proud of, however, was independently developing an AI-powered compliance audit tool using Claude Code, Cursor AI, n8n, and GitHub. The goal was to streamline legal review, evidence gathering, and internal compliance processes. 

Having never built anything like this before, I had to learn as I went and explore how technology could improve existing workflows. Knowing that the tool is intended for use by the team makes the experience especially rewarding. It showed me that legal professionals can do more than identify risks; they can also help innovate and improve the way legal work is carried out. 

3. What was the toughest challenge you faced, and what was the most exciting part of the summer? 

One of the biggest challenges was overcoming imposter syndrome and learning to apply theoretical legal knowledge to real business needs. Working in-house requires looking beyond the legal implications of a decision and finding practical solutions that maintain compliance while allowing the business to move forward. 

The most exciting part of the summer was undoubtedly the people I met, from experienced legal professionals to fellow interns, and the opportunity to learn from one another and share experiences. Taking part in Bolt’s Summer Summit and participating in the many content shoots were also among my favourite highlights!

4. What skills or hands-on practice from TLU actually came in handy on the job? 

"I realised that the ability to communicate legal information effectively is just as important as knowing the law itself." 

TLU gave me the legal foundation I needed to approach the challenges I encountered at Bolt. My studies provided a strong grounding in European and international law, which I could build on through practical experience, particularly in my areas of interest: commercial and contractual law, privacy, and data protection. 

My experience with presentations and three years on the university’s moot court team also proved invaluable. It taught me to structure arguments and communicate confidently with colleagues and senior team members. 

Finally, legal research, report writing, and source referencing turned out to be much more practical than I had sometimes appreciated during my studies. They taught me how to navigate complex sources, analyse large amounts of information and turn my findings into structured, actionable recommendations. I realised that the ability to communicate legal information effectively is just as important as knowing the law itself. 

5. What’s the main takeaway you’ve gained from your studies and work experience so far? 

"My biggest takeaway is that you don’t need to know how to do everything before you get started."

My biggest takeaway is that you don’t need to know how to do everything before you get started. Sometimes, you simply have to take the first step, stay curious, and figure things out along the way. In a world where technology, regulations, and business needs evolve so quickly, it is impossible to have all the answers from the beginning. 

I’ve also learned not to be afraid to speak up, suggest improvements, or ask questions, even if they seem simple. A single question can lead to a new perspective or a better way of doing things. 

Above all, I believe in challenging assumptions and looking beyond established routines. Whether analysing a legal issue or working on a new project, stay open to new possibilities, think creatively, and look for ways to make things better, not only for yourself but also for the people you work with.