Aparna Sridhar, in-house counsel at AI developer Anthropic, recently outlined how legal departments must adapt to the fastest-moving industry in technology. Her insights highlight the shifting responsibilities of in-house lawyers as they manage new regulatory frameworks and reshape relationships with outside counsel.
Adapting the in-house legal role
Sridhar said legal teams at the center of this sector face unique pressures to keep pace with technological development. In-house lawyers must transition from traditional risk mitigation to actively guiding product development and deployment strategies. This requires legal professionals to understand the underlying mechanics of AI systems rather than just reviewing standard contracts. Teams looking to build this foundational knowledge can explore resources on AI for Legal to match their skills with industry demands.
Managing regulatory engagement
Regulatory scrutiny remains a primary concern for AI companies. Sridhar said Anthropic approaches regulatory engagement by prioritizing transparency and proactive compliance. Legal departments must anticipate legislative shifts and prepare frameworks that satisfy domestic and international oversight bodies. To support these efforts, professionals can review the AI Learning Path for Regulatory Affairs Specialists for structured guidance on compliance strategies.
Evolving outside counsel relationships
The dynamic between in-house teams and external law firms is also changing. Sridhar said outside counsel must evolve their advisory models to meet the specific needs of modern tech clients. Firms that rely on traditional, reactive legal advice will struggle to provide value, whereas those offering strategic, technology-literate guidance will secure long-term partnerships.
Why this matters for Legal professionals
In-house lawyers and legal department leaders must prioritize technical literacy and proactive regulatory strategy. Relying on historical legal precedents is insufficient for AI governance. Legal teams that integrate technical understanding into their daily operations will better protect their organizations and influence industry standards.
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