As the business and technological landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, general counsel are stepping into a new era of influence and opportunity in the year ahead.
In 2026, general counsel are poised like never before to shape not only the legal landscape but also the broader strategic direction of their organisations, presenting a wealth of opportunities for these legal leaders.
For Keiko Minami, head of legal, APAC and ANZ at Darktrace, one of the most compelling opportunities for general counsel next year lies in their ability to lead the responsible adoption and governance of artificial intelligence (AI).
“I think the most exciting opportunity is that as legal leaders, we are uniquely positioned to ensure AI is used for good,” Minami stated.
“AI is one of the most disruptive technologies in our history. It's powerful, but it's still just a tool. So the tech itself is neither good nor bad – that's determined by how it is used, ultimately by the intent of the human using it.”
“That's why I think AI governance aligned to ensure AI is used for good is key to a happy future for us all.”
However, with AI still rapidly evolving, Minami stressed that preparing for an AI-driven landscape requires both curiosity and adaptability, urging legal teams to embrace change rather than resist it.
“Whether we like it or not, AI is here, and it's likely to stay. Rather than resisting this change, we can choose to ride the wave of change,” Minami noted.
“As leaders, it's important we guide our teams to navigate this change by enjoying the journey of change in seeing growth opportunities, rather than fearing it.”
However, technology’s impact on opportunities for general counsel in the year ahead goes beyond AI.
Nick Brown, general counsel at Airtree, highlighted that another key avenue is leveraging legal tech and process innovations to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and boost overall team productivity.
“The ability to use technology to drive efficiency and productivity and be a real value-add to the business,” Brown said.
To seize the opportunities presented by technological change, Brown emphasised that general counsel must stay ahead of developments in legal technology, learn from best practices among their peers, and rethink traditional processes.
“Be eternally curious. Try and keep abreast of developments in the legaltech space, understand what your peers are doing and what processes they're eliminating or simplifying, whether with technology or just simple process refinement,” Brown outlined.
While technology offers exciting opportunities for general counsel, Jessica Giampiccolo, managing director at JMLG Advisory, also highlighted the value of working closely with HR and executive leadership to strengthen policies, training, and reporting mechanisms.
“The opportunity for general counsel to work closely with HR and leadership to strengthen policies, training, and reporting mechanisms. Early intervention and sound process are critical risk mitigators,” Giampiccolo stated.
To maximise this opportunity, Giampiccolo advised that general counsel who engage proactively with governance frameworks can most effectively shape how their organisations navigate compliance, decision-making, and risk in uncertain areas.
“General counsel should deepen their understanding of the organisation’s strategy, financial drivers, and risk profile. Legal advice is most influential when framed in terms of commercial impact and options, rather than purely legal exposure,” Giampiccolo noted.
She added: “In essence, general counsel who prepare deliberately by expanding their influence beyond the legal function, strengthening governance capability, and aligning closely with business strategy are best placed to seize the opportunity to lead in an increasingly complex risk environment.”
