Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?  

In the next five years, I anticipate a number of significant developments in the practice of general counsel.  

The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in contract management, legal research, due diligence, and eDiscovery is projected to increase. This will enable legal teams to automate routine duties, increase their efficiency and accuracy, and devote more time to strategic advisory roles.  

I anticipate a greater emphasis on data privacy and cybersecurity, with the general counsel playing a crucial role in ensuring corporate compliance with changing regulations. General counsel must also navigate the legal implications of emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and robotics.  

The shift towards remote working, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, may become more permanent, necessitating general counsel to become proficient in virtual collaboration tools and effective management of remote teams.  

How would you assess the impact of new technologies on the legal landscape in Italy, and what measures would you propose to leverage these technologies while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations? 

Italy’s legal system is undergoing a significant transformation because of new technologies, mirroring global trends. The introduction of legal technology tools such as AI-assisted contract analysis, predictive analytics, eDiscovery, and blockchain for smart contracts, to name a few, enables legal professionals to work more efficiently and precisely. They enable attorneys to automate simple duties and devote more time to complex strategic considerations.  

However, these emerging technologies also present obstacles. Given the sensitive nature of legal data, data security and privacy are paramount concerns. Compliance with regulations is an additional crucial issue, particularly when compared to the rapid pace of technological change and the slower evolution of laws and regulations.  

To utilise these technologies while ensuring compliance, I propose continuous education and training. By understanding these technologies and their legal implications, attorneys will be able to utilise them effectively and ethically.  

It is also important to Implement stringent security precautions to safeguard sensitive data. This includes secure data storage, regular risk assessments, and compliance checks.  

Active participation in regulatory discussions and collaboration with legislators to influence future regulations surrounding these technologies will help ensure that the legal field’s use of technology remains compliant and beneficial.