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Ahead of her appearance at the upcoming Australian Law Forum, the managing partner of a BigLaw firm discussed how lawyers need to navigate risk and the regulatory landscape.
With increased regulatory enforcement, AI advancement, and cyber security risks disrupting the regulatory landscape, the legal profession is navigating a complex global market.
Ahead of her appearance at the upcoming Australian Law Forum, Rebecca Kelly, Australia managing partner at Clyde & Co, said legal professionals play a critical role in guiding clients through this growing uncertainty.
Kelly will join experts from HSF Kramer, Pinsent Masons, and MinterEllison for a panel discussion on navigating risk, regulation, and strategy in an uncertain world.
“We are operating in a period of ‘polycrisis,’ where economic, geopolitical, technological, and talent-related risks are not only intensifying but increasingly interconnected,” Kelly told Lawyers Weekly.
“In this environment, clients are looking to legal advisors not just for legal expertise, but for strategic guidance that helps them navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence,” she said.
Global instability has shifted the role of legal professionals in recent years, with clients increasingly viewing legal counsel as a trusted business partner, essential in managing regulatory changes and risk.
“There is a growing demand for integrated risk management advice, heightened regulatory compliance, and a clear understanding of how external pressures may affect financial and operational outcomes,” Kelly said.
“Clients are also placing greater emphasis on value, seeking advice that is both actionable and aligned with their evolving business priorities.”
Further, corporate Australia is contending with a complex and evolving regulatory landscape in 2025, according to Kelly.
Businesses face heightened scrutiny and a greater likelihood of investigations, requiring robust internal controls and readiness to respond, the managing partner told Lawyers Weekly.
ESG compliance and greenwashing remain high priority for regulators as climate continues to be a key focus for organisations and consumers.
“We know that ASIC is imposing significant penalties on companies that misrepresent environmental or ethical credentials as well as penalties for breaches of the reporting obligations,” she said.
Additionally, emerging technologies such as AI and increasing cyber security risks are also key regulatory challenges facing corporate Australia.
“Rapid technological advancement is outpacing regulation, requiring companies to proactively adapt to evolving standards and ethical considerations,” she said.
Increasing reliance on technology will likely see the frequency and severity of cyber incidents continue to rise, prompting stricter regulatory expectations around data protection and incident response, Kelly said.
In a profession defined by rapid change, it’s crucial that legal professionals remain agile in adapting to increasing global uncertainty and evolving regulations. Aligning business strategy with evolving risk factors, while fostering a culture that supports innovation and high-quality client service, is key, according to Kelly.
“To remain competitive, law firms must embrace adaptability, strategic foresight, and a client-first mindset,” said Kelly.
“The future of legal partnerships will be defined not by tradition, but by responsiveness to change, whether in client needs, market dynamics, or workforce expectations.
“Firms that lead with financial discipline and a long-term view of sustainable growth will be best positioned to deliver consistent value for their clients.”
To hear Rebecca Kelly speak more on navigating risk in an uncertain regulatory landscape, come along to the Australian Law Forum 2025.
Hosted in partnership with principal partner Thomson Reuters, the event will be held on Thursday, 14 August 2025, at The Star in Sydney. Click here to buy tickets.
To learn more about the forum, including the agenda and speakers, click here.
