Team size: 16

Major legal advisers: Wilson Sonsini, DLA Piper, AZB & Partners, Ashurst, Matheson, Mason Hayes and Curran, Akol

What are some of the legal challenges that IT companies face in the development and use of emerging technologies in their products?

Technological advancements and the way in which organisations use that technology have resulted in data security, privacy and cyber security becoming a priority and a challenge for companies and their legal departments. As technology develops, legislation and regulation will need to keep pace to raise the standard for data security and privacy practices. This means companies and their legal departments will continue to face the challenge of interpreting and supporting the business to adhere to these new requirements. In addition, due to the data set used to develop AI, machine learning solutions and AI are at risk of algorithmic bias which could result in unethical and potentially illegal practices. Because of this, legal teams and companies will need to be increasingly aware and upskilled in the use of technology to address the challenges in adopting new technologies for their business. As a result, it is likely that contracting parties will also expect greater accountability, balance of liability and control, enhanced encryption, and security measures to be incorporated into practice and contracts.

In what ways do you see the in-house legal role evolving in your region over the next few years? 

I anticipate a continuation of the pandemic-era trends, where companies will see in-house legal departments transitioning from legal advisors to strategic business partners. Legal operations and the implementation of legal technology will remain at the top of the in-house legal team’s agenda with the goal of driving efficiencies, standardising, and automating processes, reducing errors and legal costs, and improving workflows. To keep up to date with advancements in technology and new working norms, legal teams will require upskilling and recruitment departments will place greater emphasis on technical and operational skills when hiring talent.

As we enter the next decade, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

In-house legal departments are evolving from a reactive risk focused legal advisor to a strategic adviser to the business, proactively participating in overall decision making, revenue generating and business operations. To succeed in the modern in-house industry, legal departments will need to create a digital legal and learning culture and focus on diversifying legal skills, tech savviness, transaction and project management, emotional and social intelligence, strong communication, creativity, and agility to quickly learn new skills.