Rebecca Anderson, Microsoft's head of legal for EMEA, joins the podcast to discuss how the in-house function at one of the world's biggest tech comapnies is adapting to the AI era. She explains why Microsoft has overhauled its legal operating model, how AI is changing the role of lawyers, and why the function is increasingly becoming a strategic partner to the business rather than simply a legal adviser.
The conversation explores how Microsoft is deploying AI across its own legal department, from AI-powered legal triage to contract drafting and decision-making tools. Anderson also shares how the company thinks about legal tech, why the operating model matters as much as the tools themselves, and how Microsoft's lawyers are using AI to move away from repetitive work towards higher-value strategic advice.
We also discuss what Microsoft now expects from its external law firms in the age of AI, why AI fluency has become a baseline requirement, and how firms can differentiate themselves beyond simply adopting new technology. Finally, Anderson shares her thoughts on the future of the profession, the new legal roles emerging alongside AI, and the skills lawyers will need to thrive over the next decade.
Chapters
00:01 Introduction
00:45 From private practice to leading Microsoft's EMEA legal team
03:55 Rebuilding Microsoft's legal operating model for the AI era
09:40 How Microsoft is using AI inside its own legal department
18:00 Microsoft's legal tech strategy and the future of contract review
19:40 What Microsoft now expects from its external law firms
29:30 The changing role of the in-house lawyer
35:25 What Microsoft looks for when hiring lawyers
36:30 The future of legal work in the age of AI
