Embrace Change, Create Joy

Hello Friends and Colleagues,

Let me share a story that recently came to mind as I reflected on our fast-changing world. Picture this: it's the early hours of a quiet Venetian morning. My husband and I are trying to catch a 6:30 AM flight. With no Uber in sight and taxi fares skyrocketing, we decided on the 4:30 AM bus. It seemed like a straightforward plan until we faced the ticket machine—an unyielding contraption that turned what should have been a simple task into a 20-minute ordeal.

As we struggled to decode a confusing, poorly lit chart in a language neither of us speaks well. We finally secured our tickets with just minutes to spare. But our relief was short-lived. Other travelers from all over the world soon arrived, each facing the same confusing process. My husband, seeing their distress, stepped up to help. In return, we witnessed an outpouring of gratitude—tips, hugs, high-fives—from strangers relieved to have been guided through such an unnecessarily complex system.

This experience was a stark reminder that technology should simplify our lives, not complicate them. Yet, all too often, poor design creates more problems than it solves. As we stand on the cusp of profound changes driven by AI, the opportunity to build products that genuinely help people has never been greater. When we get it right, we don't just create products—we make connections and moments of joy in an increasingly complex world.

Speaking of change, did you know that bike fishing is an actual job in Amsterdam? It might sound quirky, but it’s a vivid example of how some jobs will rise, and others will fall as the tides of innovation shift. Similarly, AI is poised to transform industries, with certain roles fading while others, like product counsel, rise to prominence as innovation cycles grow dramatically shorter.?

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Let’s continue to embrace change, innovate, and, most importantly, create products and experiences that bring joy and connection to those who use them.

Warm regards,

Olga

I’m delighted to share that I’ve taken on a new role as an Independent Legal Market Distinguished Analyst for Above the Law ( Breaking Media ). I will focus on the In-House Counsel Compensation Report, and I’m eager to gather diverse insights and data In-House Comp Report from the community. If you have any perspectives or information you'd like to contribute, I’d love to hear from you as I work to provide a comprehensive analysis.

Additionally, I invite you to participate in Above the Law's 2024 In-House Lawyers Compensation Survey. Your feedback is crucial in helping us deliver the most accurate and insightful report. Please feel free to share the survey with your colleagues—let’s ensure every voice is represented!

And DM me if you want to join the in-house focus group to discuss and analyze the trends we discover with your peers!

Product Counsel: Advise, Innovate, and Inspire Book Announcement

I am thrilled to announce the publication of my new book, "Product Counsel: Advise, Innovate, and Inspire," co-authored with Adrienne Go , an amazing leader, top in-house lawyer, and product law guru. This comprehensive guide, with contributions from over 20 peer reviewers, is the first to define and provide a framework for the discipline of product counseling.

In an era of transformative technology, having a structured approach to product law throughout the product lifecycle is crucial. This book explores the intersection of law, business, and technology, shaping numerous emerging industries. It offers practical case studies and checklists for applying product law principles in real-world scenarios.

Pre-order the Product Counsel: Advise, Innovate, and Inspire book!

Special thank you, Sian O'Neill , Alex Davies , and the rest of the Globe Law and Business Ltd team for making my dreams come true!

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned for discussions on the importance of product counseling in the age of transformative tech. We'll explore trends, challenges, and opportunities in this evolving field. For more information, visit Product Law Hub and follow us on LinkedIn: Product Law Hub .

What is your take?

How do you see the discipline of product counseling evolving in your industry? Share your insights, and let's discuss how we can innovate and lead at the intersection of law, business, and technology. DM me on LinkedIn if you want to be part of Product Law Hub journey!

Understanding The DOJ’s Landmark Ruling Against Google: What’s Next?

In a recent landmark ruling, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta found Google guilty of monopolistic practices in its search engine and digital advertising operations, marking a pivotal moment in the tech industry. In my latest article for Above the Law, I sit down with Richard Finkelman , a managing director and AI expert at BRG, to explore the potential implications of this decision. Finkelman sheds light on the possible remedies, from structural changes to promoting AI-powered alternatives like Perplexity, which could naturally erode Google’s dominance. As we look ahead, it’s clear that this ruling addresses current market dynamics and sets the stage for how emerging technologies will shape the competitive landscape.

Looking Ahead

As we consider the future, the rise of AI-powered search engines may lessen the need for drastic regulatory interventions against Google. These innovations have the potential to disrupt the market naturally, offering users new alternatives that challenge Google's monopoly. However, this shift also introduces new complexities, such as addressing bias and ensuring ethical AI practices. The challenge will be balancing innovation with responsibility, ensuring these emerging technologies promote fairness and transparency in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What’s Your Take?

This ruling is more than just a response to Google’s current dominance; it signals the changing tides in the tech world. As AI continues to advance, it’s crucial that we stay vigilant about the ethical implications and the potential for misuse. But what do you think? Will AI-powered search engines level the playing field, or do you foresee new challenges emerging? How should regulators approach this evolving landscape to ensure a fair and competitive market? Your insights are valuable as we navigate these complex issues—let’s continue the conversation.

Shifting from HR to Human Capital: A Strategic Imperative for Legal Departments

In collaboration with Minh Hoang Merchant and Carolyn Herzog , we explore the crucial shift from traditional HR to a Human Capital (HC) approach within legal departments. This transition emphasizes viewing employees as strategic assets and aligning talent management with business objectives. The SEC’s new disclosure requirements focus on transparency in areas like diversity, inclusion, and employee development, urging legal departments to lead in integrating HC with ESG strategies for long-term success.

Looking Ahead: How can legal departments integrate HC strategies into broader business goals?

What’s Your Take? What role should the legal department play in this strategic shift toward human capital? Share your thoughts!?

Interested in collaborating or inviting me to speak at your event? Feel free to message me—I'd love to explore how we can work together!

Mapping Progress: How Attorneys Can Prepare To Advise Clients On AI Compliance

With the passage of the EU AI Act and a wave of AI-related legislation emerging in the U.S., the landscape of AI compliance is rapidly evolving. In my recent article for Above the Law, I spoke with Kassi Burns , a senior attorney at King & Spalding and an AI governance expert. We discussed the critical steps attorneys must take now to advise their clients on AI compliance effectively. From conducting AI mapping exercises to preparing for the phased implementation of the EU AI Act, Burns outlines the essential actions legal professionals must consider to stay ahead of the curve.

Looking Ahead

As the legal environment surrounding AI continues to develop, attorneys must proactively understand and navigate these new regulations. The EU AI Act, focusing on health, safety, and fundamental rights, sets a significant precedent for AI governance. Attorneys must familiarize themselves with this legislation and similar U.S.-based laws like the Utah AI Policy Act and the forthcoming Colorado AI Act. By staying informed and preparing early, attorneys can help clients adapt to these regulatory changes and avoid potential compliance pitfalls.

What’s Your Take?

The era of AI regulation is here, and it’s reshaping the responsibilities of legal professionals. How do you see these new laws impacting your practice or your clients? Are there specific areas of AI compliance that you find particularly challenging or intriguing? As we move forward in this evolving landscape, sharing insights and experiences will be key to successfully navigating AI’s complexities. I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s continue this important conversation.

The "Boarding School" for Leaders?

In this exceptional Board Leadership Program, generously sponsored newsletter, you will learn the proven and effective steps to successfully plan and implement your personal Board Director Candidate strategy. I recently completed it and enjoyed every moment of it.

Do you know an in-house leader, legal operations leader, AI specialist, or legal tech innovator who would be a great guest for the Notes to My (Legal) Self LinkedIn? LIVE/podcast conversation? Let me know.

Self-nominations are encouraged. They are a bold act of self-confidence!

Embrace Change, Create Joy!

As we wrap up, I want to leave you with a parting thought: the power of reinvention and innovation is not just about surviving but thriving in our ever-evolving world. In the legal profession, this means embracing new technologies and constantly reassessing how to add value.

To explore how large language models (LLMs) are transforming legal departments, check out the article on Legal Tech: 5 Use Cases for Large Language Models in Legal Departments. It delves into the practical applications of LLMs, from brainstorming to legal research, and how they reshape our approach to law.

Additionally, if you're an in-house lawyer, now is the time to adopt a reinvention mindset. The pace of business cycles demands that we continually evolve. I discuss this in detail in my article on Why In-House Lawyers Must Adopt A Reinvention Mindset As A Way Of Life. Embrace change, invest in lifelong learning, and make reinvention a part of your professional routine.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Let's continue to innovate, connect, and create joy in our work and lives.

Warm regards,

Olga

P.S. Check out my TEDx talks: Why We Need to Evolve Alongside AI and Putting the Heart in AI: A Supervision Framework Says I Care. I'm excited to hear your thoughts!

That’s all for this Notes to My (Legal) Self? edition. Subscribe now to get notified of each new edition, or share it with an aspiring legal leader who would find it valuable.

Check out the Notes to My (Legal) Self? podcasts. Available on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. It is full of great insights!

See 'ya!

Olga V. Mack is a Digital Transformation Executive, award-winning general counsel, operations specialist, and tech startup advisor who encourages lawyers to embrace disruptive technologies that make law more functional and accessible.

A three-time TEDx presenter with a blend of legal, technological, and business expertise, Olga is one of today’s top speakers and thought leaders. Find her latest insights at Above the Law, Forbes, Bloomberg Law, ACC Docket, MIT Computational Law Report, Newsweek, and Venture Beat.

As a Berkeley Law lecturer, a fellow of CodeX, the Stanford Law Center for Legal Informatics, Generative AI Editor at law.MIT Computational Law Report, and a College of Law Practice Management (COLPM) fellow, Olga is confident the law’s future is secure in the hands of innovators.

Olga’s numerous awards include the Silicon Valley Women of Influence, ABA Women in Legal Tech, Make Your Mark, Corporate Counsel of the Year, and Women Leaders in Technology Law. She is particularly proud of advocating for increased female representation on corporate boards. For more insights, consider reading her book, Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat.

In examining how disruptive technologies impact laws, society, and business, Olga authored Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities, Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security, and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data.

She is working on her three books: Visual Literacy for Lawyers: A Guide to Enhancing Your Practice (ABA 2025) and Product Counsel: Advise, Innovate, and Inspire (Globe Law and Business 2024).