UK based lawyer Elena Bajada, Managing Director at Major, Lindsey & Africa, in her opinion piece for TechRadar Pro, argues that artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping business at a pace that demands legal leaders move from interpreters of regulation to strategic guides. With the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) beginning implementation in 2025, General Counsel (GCs) are tasked with not only ensuring compliance but also helping businesses proactively embed, govern, and communicate their use of AI.
Bajada highlights that regulatory clarity remains partial—definitions of “high-risk” systems and enforcement details continue to evolve. Effective legal teams distinguish themselves not through technical mastery but through principled, forward-facing guidance. They engage cross-functionally with product teams, HR, and data scientists, reframing questions from “what is permitted?” to “what are we trying to achieve responsibly?”
She notes that static compliance playbooks are inadequate in a rapidly changing environment. Instead, legal departments must focus on flexible governance frameworks and scenario-based planning, allowing adaptation as systems shift into higher-risk categories. This requires legal professionals who are comfortable navigating ambiguity and adept at balancing compliance, ethics, and reputation.
She also describes how the rise of AI is also reshaping legal hiring, with increased demand for compliance officers versed in EU law, data governance, and AI ethics. Beyond internal compliance, GCs now play a public-facing role in building brand trust through transparency about AI use and safeguards.
Ultimately, Bajada frames AI as not just a compliance challenge but a chance for legal leaders to convert uncertainty into competitive advantage, making them central to corporate strategy in the AI era.