REUTERS | Jon Nazca
November 17, 2016

GDPR compliance: key takeaways from Practical Law’s fifth annual Future of Data Protection Forum

I’m conscious I seem to have been inundating this blog on the subject of data protection.  I promise to move on soon but I’m at least heartened that there’s a well-defined market for my posts: insomniac lawyers.  With the advent of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) around the corner, data protection is making its steady climb towards the top of the charts of the things keeping in-house counsel awake at night.

So, for my last instalment for now, I wanted to share with you some key messages from Practical Law’s fifth annual Future of Data Protection Forum last week. Continue reading →

REUTERS | Corbis
November 17, 2016

Employees in the boardroom: paper published by Tomorrow’s Company considers some flexible options for companies

Much has been written in the press about the Prime Minister’s statements on corporate governance and, in particular, on plans to have worker and consumer representatives on boards, which she referred to in her speech at the Conservative party conference on 5 October and during a press conference on 5 September at the G20 summit in China, among others.

Theresa May indicated that government proposals on corporate governance reform would be brought forward in the autumn and so a consultation is expected shortly. Separately, the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy House of Commons Select Committee launched an inquiry into corporate governance in September, the terms of reference of which included examining if there should be worker representation on boards and remuneration committees and, if so, in what form. Continue reading →

REUTERS | Global Creative Services
November 10, 2016

Minister confirms UK will implement GDPR and continue to be a “world leader in data protection”

Matthew Hancock MP, the Minister of State for Digital and Culture, reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to a strong framework for data protection and privacy in his keynote speech at Practical Law’s fifth annual Future of Data Protection Forum this week. Continue reading →

REUTERS | Kacper Pempel
November 7, 2016

How in-house lawyers can become “digital” lawyers

Are ‘bots a good thing? That was the question posed by IAG’s Head of Digital at our recent legal conference as he espoused the virtues of businesses keeping pace with digital developments to confront the threats such advances could otherwise pose. The legal and compliance teams from each group company had met to discuss best practice, provide an update on IAG’s strategic focus and digital initiatives, and team-build through exploring our own and our team’s personality traits.

Continue reading →

REUTERS | Luke MacGregor
November 4, 2016

Data protection: will Britannia waive the rules?

Matthew Hancock MP, the Minister of State for Digital and Culture, will be giving a keynote speech on Brexit and the implications for the UK data protection landscape next Tuesday, 8 November, at Practical Law’s Future of Data Protection Forum.  I look forward with interest to what the minister will have to say. Continue reading →

REUTERS | Ricardo Moraes
November 1, 2016

The Tech Express: time to jump on board, say lawyers

“Computers are like bikinis.  They save people a lot of guesswork.”  Sam Ewing

A few days ago, my colleague, Karen Ngo, posted here outlining some practical steps leaders of in-house legal teams might take when identifying, acquiring and implementing the right technology for your legal department.

To follow up Karen’s key messages, I wanted to highlight some of the key takeaways from a recent report published by Legal Week Intelligence and Thomson Reuters which brings to life the shifting practices and attitudes of our in-house legal colleagues with regard to technology.  It is, after all, part of human nature for most of us to check we’re not completely out of step with conventional wisdom. Continue reading →

REUTERS | Maxim Shemetov
October 31, 2016

In-house agenda: November 2016

Key themes and developments on the agenda for businesses in November include the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, evaluating the first international anti-bribery management system standard and reviewing the Criminal Finances Bill. All in-house lawyers should also be aware that the new CPD regime will become compulsory on 1 November.

Continue reading →

REUTERS | Global Creative Services
October 28, 2016

How to identify, acquire and implement the right technology for your legal department

I recently moderated a panel session on legal technology at the Practical Law GC Leadership: Leading small and medium legal teams event. The session focused on how legal departments can identify, acquire and implement the most suitable technologies for their needs. Here are my top takeaways from it.

Continue reading →

REUTERS |
October 24, 2016

ISO 37001 – The first international anti-bribery management system standard

On October 14, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) published a global standard ISO 37001: Anti-Bribery Management Systems. This voluntary standard is designed to assist organisations around the world implement and maintain an effective and proportionate anti-bribery programme.

Organisations can choose to use it simply as an internal benchmarking tool or seek ISO 37001 certification of their anti-bribery programme through an accredited third party provider.

Continue reading →