From Blocker to Builder: Legal as a Growth Enabler in the Age of AI

Legal teams must evolve from risk gatekeepers to growth enablers in the AI era, embracing calculated risks while maintaining strategic oversight. In this episode of The AI Sidekick: Banishing Legal AI Anxiety podcast, host Ryan Heath interviews Anne Robinson, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at IBM, to explore how legal departments can transform into strategic business partners while navigating the complexities of AI adoption and regulatory change. To learn more about Robin AI, visit www.robinai.com/book-a-demo

Legal teams must evolve from risk gatekeepers to growth enablers in the AI era, embracing calculated risks while maintaining strategic oversight.

In this episode of The AI Sidekick: Banishing Legal AI Anxiety podcast, host Ryan Heath interviews Anne Robinson, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at IBM, to explore how legal departments can transform into strategic business partners while navigating the complexities of AI adoption and regulatory change.

What You'll Learn:

How to structure legal teams for maximum business impact by aligning with business units rather than solely focusing on subject matter expertise
The "Risk-Rate" framework for implementing AI tools across low, medium, and high-risk legal activities
Why early engagement is crucial for legal teams to shift from problem-solvers to solution enablers
The hybrid approach to AI adoption, combining third-party platforms with internal tools for optimal results
How to build an agile legal organization that anticipates regulatory changes while maintaining consistent guidance
The principle of "perpetual adaptation" - why legal teams must resist settling into comfortable routines as technology evolves
Why curiosity and resourcefulness are essential traits for modern legal teams driving innovation
How proactive regulatory engagement through public policy can help shape the future of AI governance

Anne Robinson is the Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at IBM, bringing decades of experience from leadership roles at major organizations, including Vanguard, American Express, and Citi. Known for her approach as "a businessperson who happens to be a lawyer," she leads IBM's legal strategy during a transformative period of AI and quantum computing investment. As a key strategic partner in IBM's $150 billion AI initiative, Anne Robinson champions responsible AI adoption while ensuring legal teams remain growth enablers rather than blockers. Her expertise in navigating regulatory complexities, fostering innovation, and driving organizational change has positioned her as a leading voice in technology law and corporate legal operations. Under her leadership, IBM's legal department has pioneered a hybrid approach to AI implementation, balancing innovation with risk management while maintaining the company's century-long legacy of technological advancement.

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To learn more about Robin AI, visit www.robinai.com/book-a-demo