In-House Counsel

A Year Of In-House Learning: 17 Topics We’re Exploring In 2017

This past year we explored topics that range from outer space to leadership, and had a blast in the process!

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high-school-student-appleThere are many great benefits we’ve experienced through writing regular weekly columns, but two of our favorites are exploring uncharted territories and learning at an accelerated pace — or as we call it, learning on steroids! This year we explored topics that range from outer space to leadership, and had a blast in the process. To make sure our learning continues in 2017, in the new year, we’ll focus on learning more about the following 17 diverse topics.

  1. Entrepreneurship

In-house attorneys occasionally migrate to the entrepreneurship side of business. Many in-house attorneys possess business savvy in addition to legal skills, so crossing industry barriers is often a realistic career choice. However, crossing over into entrepreneurship can be overwhelming. How does one go about building a non-legal product? And how do inherently risk-averse attorneys choose to become more entrepreneurial?

  1. Legal Operations

Operations teams are increasingly becoming an indispensable part of a well-run, sophisticated legal department. Creating one, however, is no small task. How can an in-house attorney build an effective legal operations team? What are the benefits and costs?

  1. Space

Our fascination with outer space has remained strong. Although diving into the possible risks of visiting the Moon may be premature, now is a good time to explore how space travel will transform the state of technology. We are also interested in what every lawyer can do now to be more helpful to rocket scientists.

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  1. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning and artificial intelligence may soon transform legal practice into a less stressful, more strategic business unit. We want to know how sophisticated in-house counsel are planning to get there sooner. 

  1. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity issues have been prominent for a while and have become even more fascinating with age. At this time, we are particularly interested in learning more about working with law enforcement, such as the FBI, to prevent and minimize the impact of cyber-attacks. 

  1. Drones

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Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones, are levitating, mesmerizing marvels of the twenty-first century. They can be used for a large range of purposes, from documenting the aftermath of disasters, to delivering packages. But they also raise many issues, such as air safety and privacy. We are eager to learn more about these risks and how to mitigate them.

  1. Virtual Reality

While we still prefer reality to the virtual world, we find virtual reality (VR) fascinating. Discussing real legal rights in the virtual world (and virtual rights in the real world!) seems like an endlessly enjoyable conversation.

  1. Teaching

Teaching has the potential to transform and enhance one’s in-house legal practice. We’d like to explore this possibility further. How can an in-house attorney secure a teaching gig at a law school, or another establishment, such as a business school? What should an in-house attorney consider before embarking on this journey?

  1. Improv, Theatrics, and Public Speaking

Sometimes running a legal department feels like a never-ending improv routine. After all, we know that the drama of law extends well beyond the courtroom. As in-house attorneys, we’re constantly on our toes and juggling other players — fellow attorneys, clients, even the industry itself! We suspect we can learn a thing or two about handling ourselves on the legal “stage” from our more theatrically inclined colleagues.

  1. Accounting, Financial Statements, and Other Math-Based Adventures

There’s an old joke that only those who are “bad at math” go to law school, and some may argue that it’s based in reality. Many attorneys tend to shy away from all math-based topics. Accounting, however, is a language of business. Accordingly, every in-house attorney should highly consider mastering at least basic accounting. But where does one begin? And what are the most important concepts for every in-house attorney to understand?

  1. Lawyers on Boards

In-house attorneys, especially those who are closely aligned with businesses, are uniquely positioned to serve on private and public boards. We’d like to explore how (and why) more in-house attorneys should pursue this venture. How can an in-house attorney start the process and secure her first board appointment?

  1. Self-driving (Autonomous) Vehicles

Self-driving vehicles are here — the question is whether cities are ready for them. We are eager to explore how in-house attorneys can help cities get ready for the advent of self-driving vehicles. We’re also interested in the role of attorneys lobbying for the adoption of this cutting edge technology.

  1. Writing Books

Many attorneys are closet writers. We know that we’ve certainly caught the publishing bug! We want to learn from in-house attorneys who have published fiction and nonfiction books. How does one even write a book? We suspect it happens one word at a time. But we still want to hear all about the entire writing process!

  1. Podcasts

Some in-house attorneys channel their creativity through podcasts, which are a favorite medium of entertainment for many commuters. We would like to explore how one can get started with this creative outlet. What is the quickest way to set up a podcast, build an audience, and develop a unique voice?

  1. Lawyers in Politics

Someone once told us that going to law school implicitly and inherently should make one comfortable with a political life. Diving into politics, however, is still a daunting idea for many lawyers. How can an in-house attorney get ready to serve on various local and state boards — or even run for public office?

  1. Remote General Counsel

Attorneys who work remotely are becoming increasingly prevalent. A good number of in-house attorneys are increasing their remote work, often opting into an exclusively remote career. We would like to explore this phenomenon. What are strategies for attorneys to be more effective while working remotely? And how does an in-house attorney find a remote general counsel gig?

  1. VC and Angel Investment

Many in-house attorneys, especially those in tech and startup law, are familiar with the world of VCs and angel investment. This is another area where lawyers could excel at crossing over. How can an in-house counsel role help an attorney get involved in venture capital or angel investment? And how do the venture capital and angel investment experiences enrich one’s in-house legal practice?

Clearly, we have set some lofty goals for 2017 — but we know we can count on the in-house community to help us get there. If you or anyone you know can teach us more about any of these topics, please email us or connect with us on social media. We’re eager to listen, learn, and share these lessons with our loyal readers and followers. Here’s to a new year of learning! Tell us what topics you want to learn more about in 2017 by sharing them with us using #17in2017!

Olga V. Mack and Katia Bloom are startup enthusiasts who embrace the current disruption to the legal profession. Long gone are the days when in-house legal departments simply manage outside counsel or provide services. Today’s legal department is a sophisticated business unit that co-manages the company’s bottom line, embraces technology, and analyzes risks constructively. Mack and Bloom love this change and are dedicated to improving and shaping the future of the legal profession. Together they passionately collect and share inspiring stories of legal leaders who are thriving through the ongoing tectonic shift. Mack and Bloom are convinced that the legal profession will emerge from this revolution even stronger, more resilient, and inclusive than before. They are currently co-authoring a manual of the skills and traits lawyers need to succeed in — and even enjoy — today’s rapidly evolving in-house legal departments. You can reach them at olga@olgamack.com and katia@katiabloom.com or @olgavmack and @bloomkatia on Twitter.

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