Transform Products, Shape Tomorrow

Hello Friends and Colleagues,

The Product Counsel Framework has been on my mind for a long time. I truly believe that my ability to navigate the intersection of business, law, and technology has been key to my journey as a lawyer, strategist, General Counsel, and CEO. Every product lawyer needs to master these intersections, and every in-house lawyer must at least be familiar with them. In short, building great products that change lives is leadership. So, I always knew I wanted to write a guide to share this gift of structured knowledge.

Then, one day, I came across an article by Adrienne Go , and I instantly knew we shared the same vision. I didn’t even need to speak with her to realize we had to collaborate. Sometimes you just know when someone is meant to be in your life. They keep reappearing through accidental meetings, incidental mentions, and somehow, they can’t leave your headspace. My life is full of these encounters, and I’ve come to believe they are whispers nudging us in the right direction. The rest is history, and now our book, Product Counsel: Advise, Innovate, and Inspire, is out in the world!

Also, a little bird told me that this is the 37th edition of this newsletter, which means I’ve been writing this monthly newsletter for three years now. Reflecting on that, I’ve realized how important it is to pause, acknowledge, and celebrate these moments. (My family and friends have been great at reminding me of this!) So, I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the release of our book, which feels like the perfect way to mark the occasion.

This edition of the newsletter is dedicated to the power of great products—how they shape tomorrow and represent a form of leadership that leaves a lasting impact. So, let’s dive in together and explore how we can continue to Transform Products, Shape Tomorrow.

Warmly,

Olga

Product Counsel: Advise, Innovate, and Inspire Has Arrived!

Exciting news! Product Counsel: Advise, Innovate, and Inspire—co-authored with Adrienne Go —is officially here. If you pre-ordered your copy, it will be arriving soon! This book is a must-read for professionals at the intersection of law, technology, and business. Early feedback from in-house professionals, law schools, and law firms has been overwhelmingly positive, with our publisher noting the high demand. You can check it out here.

Recap: Pre-launch Event in Palo Alto

We just held our first pre-launch event hosted by King & Spalding in Palo Alto, and it was a fantastic success. Special thanks to Kassi Burns , Ehren Halse , Ethan Davis , and Robert K. Hur for their leadership and insights. The event was oversold, with a lengthy waitlist, so we plan to host another soon—both in-person and virtually. Here are some key takeaways from the discussions:

1. Product Teams Drive Innovation: Faster product cycles require legal to be in sync with product teams from day one.
2. Collaborate with Regulators: Engage early with regulators to build trust and gain insights into industry compliance.
3. Voluntary Disclosures Can Be Strategic: Sometimes proactive disclosure is your best defense.
4. Data Governance Is Key: Reducing data storage and engaging experienced data stewards help minimize the risk and cost of potential investigations or lawsuits.
5. Product Law Is Leadership: Product law is about driving innovation and leading teams through complex legal challenges.

Interested to sponsor future events? DM me.

Interested in attending future events? DM me, and I'll make sure you're on the list!

Shaping AI Strategy: The Role of Product Lawyers

In case you missed it, I recently co-authored an ACC article, Legal Tech: The Role of Product Lawyers in Shaping AI Strategy, with Adrienne Go and Karna Nisewaner . This piece explores the critical role product lawyers play in building robust AI governance structures that balance legal compliance, ethical concerns, and business goals. Leveraging the Product Counsel Framework, the article provides actionable steps for integrating responsible AI development across business sectors. For a deeper dive, check out the article here.

Teach Product Counseling: Syllabus for Law Schools

Have you thought about teaching product counseling at your law school but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! We’ve created a flexible, build-your-own curriculum tailored for second and third-year law students, LLM candidates, and practitioners. Covering the key legal, regulatory, and ethical challenges across the tech product lifecycle, this syllabus is designed to help future legal leaders thrive. It’s adaptable to various course structures (1, 2, and 3-unit options) and business sectors, preparing students to navigate real-world product development while managing risks. Check out the Teaching tab at Product Law Hub for more information. The syllabus was created by Adrienne Go , Linsey Krolik , Jennifer Stefanski , John Didday , and yes, me, and is available under a Creative Commons license.

Join the Conversation at Product Law Hub

The Product Law Hub is your go-to resource for tools, insights, and community events. Want to be featured or share your expertise? Reach out to me! And don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for more updates: Product Law Hub on LinkedIn.

Want to shape the future of Product Law Hub? DM me with your ideas.

What’s Next? Your Feedback Matters!

We’ve heard interest in more virtual and in-person events, video resources, in-person training, mentor matching, peer community interaction for senior product lawyers and GCs, and tools to help structure legal departments. We want to hear from you. What would be most valuable to you? Let us know the top 1-3 resources to help you thrive in your role, and we’ll prioritize creating them!

Get a Glimpse into Legal Design – and My Guest Appearance!

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be making a brief surprise appearance at the upcoming webinar, "How to Apply Legal Design to Improve Your Contracts: Showcasing the Contract Nerds Terms of Use," on November 14, 2024. This webinar is packed with actionable insights and strategies to elevate your contract design skills. The event will feature Tessa Manuello - The Legal Design Coach ?? , Linsey Krolik , and Nada Alnajafi .

?? Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024 ?? Time: 9 AM PT | 12 PM ET | 4 PM GMT

?? Register here (free)

This is a fantastic opportunity to see real-world examples of legal design in action and learn how to improve your own contracts. Make sure to register and join the conversation!

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!

And check out the full Association of Corporate Counsel Docket article, IP Ethics Insights from the Winston & Strawn Case for In-house Counsel, co-authored by Nada Alnajafi , Brian Mack , and me. It offers valuable insights into the ethical and legal risks of using pre-existing legal templates and provides practical tips for in-house counsel to navigate these challenges. Whether you're looking to refine your approach to IP issues or ensure your legal drafting is both efficient and compliant, this article is a must-read for any legal professional working at the intersection of law and intellectual property.

A Conversation with Keir Gumbs, Principal and General Counsel at Edward Jones: Why Financial Literacy is Non-Negotiable for In-House Counsel (and All Humans!)

If you missed the inspiring, thought-provoking live session with Keir Gumbs , Principal and General Counsel at Edward Jones , don’t worry—you can still catch the recording! Keir, an amazing leader, shared invaluable insights into why financial literacy is essential for in-house counsel, covering everything from understanding the business impact of legal advice to spotting risks that affect the bottom line. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your strategic input or just want to feel more confident in financial discussions, this session is a must-watch. Check out the recording and discover practical ways to strengthen your financial acumen and elevate your role.

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!

Reframing Dreams in Tokyo: A Conversation with Catherine O’Connell

Catching up with Catherine O’Connell of her Lawyer on Air Podcast Podcast | Japan's Top Legal Careers Podcast in Tokyo was nothing short of electrifying. Catherine’s journey from a small town in New Zealand to becoming a trailblazing lawyer in Japan is proof that sometimes, a single conversation can shift the trajectory of an entire career. During our talk, Catherine shared how an offhand remark from someone who barely knew her sparked the idea that she could learn Japanese and build a career halfway across the world. This wasn’t mentorship; it was something different—a “reframing” moment. We talked about these “Reframers” in our lives, the people who, with a few words, help us envision paths we hadn’t considered. Catherine’s story is a reminder of the power of those simple yet profound nudges to think bigger, take risks, and believe in our potential. It’s conversations like these that leave you inspired and recharged, ready to embrace the unknown with renewed energy.

Check out her post and mine for more about this epic real-life encounter!

Also, check out my recent appearance on Lawyer on Air, where Catherine and I dive into law, leadership, and life: Season 7, Episode 9.

Catch My Appearance on Lawformer's Podcast: Legal Tech Savvy

I’m thrilled to share that I made a guest appearance on the first episode of Lawformer's new podcast, Legal Tech Savvy. In this episode, I dive into the biggest legal challenges for in-house teams at scaling startups and how legal-tech solutions, like automation and AI, can make a real difference with Nako Edisherashvili and Dzerassa Sanakoeva. ?? Listen on Spotify

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.

Take the Lead: Shape Tomorrow, Today

As we close this edition, I challenge you to not just observe the shifts in law, technology, and business but to actively shape them. Great products don’t just happen—they are the result of proactive leadership, strategic foresight, and the courage to innovate.

For in-house lawyers, products are a unique leadership opportunity. When you work at the intersection of business, law, and technology, you're not just advising—you’re shaping the future of your company. By understanding the product lifecycle, you can influence not only legal compliance but also innovation, risk management, and strategic growth. This is especially powerful today, with transformative technologies like AI reshaping industries.

In this age of rapid tech development, being an in-house lawyer isn’t just about mitigating risks; it’s about creating frameworks that enable innovation to flourish. AI, automation, and other emerging technologies require legal teams to collaborate closely with product and business units, ensuring that products are designed with compliance, ethics, and scalability in mind. The best in-house lawyers are product leaders—helping to shape offerings that solve real business challenges while navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscape.

Your action for this month: identify one process, document, or challenge where a legal-tech solution or new strategy could streamline operations, improve compliance, or accelerate growth. Take that first step toward transforming your role from advisor to product architect.

Feel free to reach out if you’re ready to take the conversation further or need help navigating these ideas. Together, we can Transform Products, Shape Tomorrow.

Until next time,

Olga

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 from your peers!

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 six-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 numerous books, including Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities, Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security, Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data, and Product Counsel: Advise, Innovate, and Inspire. She is working on her next book: Visual Literacy for Lawyers (ABA 2025).