Last week, MSL students new and old, in addition to several recent graduates, participated in a lunch-and-learn with Professor Liisa Thomas, who teaches classes on privacy and security in the MSL program. Thomas, who is also a partner and co-leader of the privacy and security practice at Sheppard Mullin’s Chicago Office, shared her perspective about the transformative impact of shifting privacy and cybersecurity laws on the professional landscape. Most importantly, she shared how MSLs who are newer to the legal landscape can most effectively keep up with an area of law that is constantly evolving.
Here are five takeaways Thomas shared regarding the best way to stay on top of the changing privacy and cybersecurity laws in the workplace.
1. Communication is key
Thomas underscored a vital point during her talk: Possessing legal knowledge alone is insufficient. Professionals must also be able to take the law and communicate it to the end consumer, whether that’s a client or a colleague. “If people don’t have change management and communication skills,” she said, “it doesn’t matter how well they know the law.”
2. Take a lifelong learning approach
The MSL is designed to give students the tools they need to read and understand the legal landscape, even as it changes – which it frequently does. With that in mind, it’s OK to acknowledge that mastery of the law takes time. “You have to keep learning as you go along,” Thomas says. Particularly in the earlier stages of your career, embrace a growth mindset and recognize that you won’t have all the answers from the outset.
3. Practice good record-keeping
As new regulations emerge, it’s important to remember the ones that came before, and to know how to adapt as the law evolves. Thomas recommends curating repositories of knowledge by compiling information in a single place over time. This serves as a good reference point for employees and their colleagues. In fact, using this practice herself, Thomas has created two treatises—one on privacy and one on cybersecurity.
4. Integrate technology – but with care
Thomas noted that the integration of AI into various sectors, including law, presents opportunities for more efficient processes and decision-making. However, she also mentioned the dilemma behind implementing new advanced technologies like AI: understanding the fine line between progress and safeguarding individual rights. As professionals start to apply new technologies into their workflow, they must be sure to use them ethically, within the scope of the law, and without imposing harm on others.
5. Embrace change and foster growth
MSLs have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between STEM and the law. The key to success lies in staying informed, committing to continuous learning, and adeptly navigating the intricate terrain of privacy and cybersecurity laws. Remember, it’s not about having all the answers at once; it’s about the ability to traverse the complexities and adapt to the constantly changing interaction between law and technology.
