Leading In The Age Of Gen AI: Systematic Integrity For In-House Corporate Lawyers
Checklists and manuals: two of the sweetest plums in Generative AI.
Welcome to the brave new world of Gen AI, where the possibilities are endless and the stakes have never been higher. As in-house corporate lawyers, we’re standing on the precipice of a technological revolution that promises to transform our profession. But, as Spider-Man fans would remind us, “with great power comes great responsibility.” In-house legal leaders must ensure that their teams not only do the right things but do them systematically and consistently. This is the crux of my latest TEDx talk, “Putting the Heart in AI: A Supervision Framework.”
Why Systematic Integrity Matters
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Let’s be real: integrating Gen AI into our legal practices isn’t just about flaunting the latest tech trends. It’s about weaving ethical frameworks and consistent practices into the very fabric of our work. Random acts of integrity? Cute, but not enough. We need a systematic approach to ensure that ethical behavior is not just a goal, but a reality.
The Mighty Manuals And Checklists
I know, I know. Manuals and checklists might sound as exciting as watching paint dry, but trust me, they’re game-changers. Here’s why:
- Clarity And Consistency. Manuals provide a clear set of guidelines that leave no room for ambiguity. They ensure everyone, from the freshest intern to the most seasoned counsel, is on the same page about the ethical use of Gen AI.
- Accountability. Checklists are the unsung heroes of accountability. They serve as tangible reminders of the steps that need to be taken, ensuring nothing is overlooked. In our high-stakes environment, this can be the difference between smooth sailing and a shipwreck.
- Scalability. As our legal departments grow, maintaining consistency becomes a Herculean task. Manuals and checklists enable scalable training and onboarding processes, ensuring that as your team expands, your commitment to ethical practice remains rock-solid.
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Implementing Systematic Integrity
So, how do we roll out this systematic integrity at scale? Here’s a roadmap:
- Develop Comprehensive Manuals. Start by crafting detailed manuals that cover all aspects of Gen AI integration. Include ethical guidelines, procedural steps, and case studies of both triumphs and tribulations.
- Create Detailed Checklists. For every process, from contract review to compliance audits, create detailed checklists that reinforce the steps outlined in your manuals. Keep these checklists up-to-date with new learnings and evolving standards.
- Foster A Culture Of Continuous Improvement. Encourage your team to view manuals and checklists as living documents. Cultivate a culture where feedback is valued, and updates are made based on real-world experiences and new ethical considerations.
- Training and Reinforcement. Regular training sessions are a must. Use real-world scenarios to highlight the importance of following the manuals and checklists. Reinforce the idea that these tools are not bureaucratic red tape but essential components of ethical practice.
The Role Of In-House Legal Leaders
As in-house legal leaders, it’s our job to champion this systematic approach. We must lead by example, showing a steadfast commitment to ethical behavior and the responsible use of Gen AI. This means adhering to the guidelines ourselves, holding our teams accountable, and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
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In my TEDx talk, I dive deeper into these principles and share insights on leading with integrity in the age of Gen AI. Join the conversation on how we can shape a future where technology and ethics go hand in hand.
The integration of Gen AI into corporate legal departments is not just a technological evolution — it’s an ethical revolution. By focusing on systematic integrity through the use of manuals and checklists, in-house legal leaders can ensure their teams not only do the right things but do them consistently and at scale. It’s a journey that requires commitment, but the rewards — trust, accountability, and long-term success — are well worth it.
So, let’s lead the charge. In this age of Gen AI, let’s uphold the highest standards of integrity, not randomly, but systematically.
Olga V. Mack is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT. Olga embraces legal innovation and had dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She authored Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat, Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security, and Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities. She is working on three books: Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024), The Rise of Product Lawyers: An Analytical Framework to Systematically Advise Your Clients Throughout the Product Lifecycle (Globe Law and Business 2024), and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (Globe Law and Business 2024). You can follow Olga on LinkedIn and Twitter @olgavmack.
