Empowering General Counsel for the Future
The rapid evolution of AI in law is transforming the legal landscape at an unprecedented rate. Legal departments, especially General Counsel (GCs) and senior in-house lawyers, are facing a future where artificial intelligence and legal technology are at the center of operational success. Recognizing this shift, the GC Academy—run by Mishcon de Reya in partnership with Flex Legal—has crafted a hands-on development program to help in-house leaders adapt and thrive in the AI era.
Innovative Learning Experience at the GC Academy
Cohort 3 of the GC Academy recently convened at the Mishcon offices for an immersive session focusing on AI in law and practical legal technology adoption. The program is designed not just as a theoretical exploration but as a dynamic, skills-based experience, equipping GCs with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of modern legal departments.
Participants benefited from direct engagement with industry leaders, including Alex Herrity of Adidas and Tom Rice from Perk. Both are recognized legal operations experts who offered candid insights into building and embedding technology within in-house legal functions. Their session highlighted real-world challenges and solutions, providing attendees with actionable steps for implementing AI in law within their own teams.
Interactive AI Challenges: The Escape Room
One of the standout features of the session was the AI Escape Room exercise. Participants were divided into teams and tasked with using AI in law to solve typical in-house legal challenges—from streamlining contract review to enhancing board reporting processes. Guided by Mishcon lawyers and legal engineers, this hands-on simulation demonstrated the practical potential of AI-powered legal tools and encouraged collaborative problem-solving. It was a tangible demonstration of how AI can be leveraged to overcome everyday legal bottlenecks.
Expert Insights: Bridging the Technology Confidence Gap
The event also included a recording of the “Law What Next” podcast, hosted by Alex Herrity and Tom Rice, featuring an interview with Nick West. This session delved into critical topics such as technology adoption, change management, and team alignment, emphasizing the importance of practical leadership in driving successful AI integration.
Mary Bonsor, GC Relationships Director at Mishcon and former Founder of Flex Legal, observed, “One of the most consistent themes I’ve seen is the gap between the pace of technological change and the confidence of legal teams to engage with it. General Counsel are being asked to make high-stakes decisions about AI in law without always having the right skills or knowledge. The GC Academy is designed to close that gap.”
Building a Community of Forward-Thinking Legal Leaders
Since its inception in 2025, the GC Academy has delivered its curriculum to 75 in-house leaders across three cohorts. With a fourth cohort launching in September and plans to expand to Dubai, the program is committed to developing a global network of legal professionals prepared for the AI-driven future. The Academy’s comprehensive approach includes not only immersive workshops but also ongoing initiatives such as the Vibe Code hackathon and regular AI webinars tailored for in-house legal teams.
Dan Sinclair, Partner at Mishcon de Reya, highlighted the Academy’s practical focus: “We’re not here to theorize about AI in law. We’re sharing lived experience—what works, what doesn’t, and how to apply these lessons in real legal departments. Our goal is to empower GCs to make informed, strategic decisions about technology and to equip them with the tools to act.”
Actionable Takeaways for Legal Teams
Real-world perspectives are at the heart of the Academy’s value. Alex Herrity, Director of Legal Solutions at Adidas, reflected, “Sharing our experience and hearing the group’s challenges was invaluable. The GC Academy brings GCs up to date on an area that’s hard to keep pace with from the inside and gives them actionable takeaways for their teams.”
With only a limited number of places available in each cohort, the GC Academy is positioning itself as a premier training ground for legal professionals eager to harness the power of AI in law and lead their teams confidently into the digital future.
Conclusion: Preparing for the AI Era
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the legal profession, programs like the GC Academy are essential in empowering General Counsel to make informed decisions and drive meaningful change. By focusing on practical skills, leadership, and hands-on experience with AI in law, the Academy is helping shape the next generation of legal leaders.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.