Organisations in all sectors are facing a growing array of emerging, and often disruptive, technologies. The scale and speed of transformation is unprecedented – creating both threats and opportunities. And business leaders are responding. Digital transformation strategies are on the Board agenda. Businesses are being shaped to fully exploit the possibilities: for change, expansion, disruption and innovation. And every part of the business is likely to be affected. Often speed is of the essence, timely delivery vital. In the race to compete and complete, legal strategies shouldn't be seen as an add-on. Entering into a major change programme without considering the role of a legal team in helping to shape and protect business, mitigate threats and deliver on the strategic objectives, puts success at risk.
Digital disruption is being driven by a portfolio of both new and old technologies. Business models are changing, people are interacting in new ways and organisations are increasingly able to automate tasks and processes. The impact of change can’t be overstated. In all aspects of life – both at work and away from it – what we do, how we perceive the world and experience it, and what we can achieve are all set to be transformed forever. Osborne Clarke is at the forefront of advising on these ground-breaking transformations. So when you’re embarking on the digitalisation process, harnessing the power of next-generation technology, our longstanding pedigree in the sector means you benefit from cutting-edge legal knowledge and insight across your business.
The impact of regulation on a business can’t be underestimated, so recognising the cost of compliance and risk of non-compliance in an ever-changing landscape is vital. Fundamental to success is understanding the aims and motivations of regulators. Regulations exist to protect citizens and businesses, correct market failures and make many aspects of our lives easier. Regulations are having to change to respond to the explosion in digital technology that is impacting on all aspects of society on a global scale. To achieve a balance between serving the public good and remaining sympathetic to business needs, Regulators are harnessing digital transformation in their own operations. From the impact on data privacy to environmental obligations and beyond, it's essential to consider the impact on risks and compliance of any digital transformation programme that a business undertakes.
The digital era continues to challenge and change the way businesses operate. And sometimes the pace of that change is the biggest issue.
Dealing with the need for new capabilities and introducing activities such as advanced analytics, task automation, transforming your legacy processes – all while staying on top of cybersecurity – carries a multitude of practical and legal implications.
What's more, evolving corporate strategies can result in business restructuring and/or technology-driven acquisitions and mergers – all creating complex legal issues and the need for careful consultation and employee engagement.
Right now, attracting and retaining talent is top of the boardroom agenda. So partnering with expert lawyers who understand the breadth of issues you're facing, and who can work with you at all stages of the process, is paramount.
If you are applying technology to a business process you're probably coming up against some complex issues around data. Questions such as: 'Who owns the data?', 'What can it be used for?' 'How can you monetise it?' and, 'What is 'personal data'?' are being examined by organisations across the globe. The answers for your business will define your data strategy. Whether it's fully formed or being drafted, it's crucial that you have a strategy that can shape opportunities and reduce risk. We work with our clients internationally to find practical solutions – developing data strategies that can support and protect their business today and tomorrow.
For companies that are heavily reliant on IT systems and software to deliver products and services, the operational impact of malfunction, outages and cyber-attacks can be very serious and cause crisis plans to be triggered.
Our crisis management team is very used to stepping in to complex crisis situations, ranging from international data breaches and cyber-attacks to major software malfunctions and IT outsourcing disputes. We provide more than just legal and regulatory expertise, and are our clients appreciate our common sense and project management skills. The team also helps clients to prepare for the worst by simulating these situations and making incident response plans more than just box-ticking exercises.
Preparation is a fundamental reality of our increasingly digital world, and having the right lawyers for that process is key.
Our pioneering approach to shaping, using and sharing legal services technology gives you unrivalled levels of control.
Like all progressive law firms, we’re perfectly aligned to the core sectors of our clients. But our thinking is what really sets us apart.
Directors are elected by the shareholders of a company to manage the company by exercising their decision-making role. All decisions carry risks and, therefore, directors are liable to shareholders for…
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More and more businesses are facing change on multiple fronts – with that comes disruption, but also opportunity. Which is possibly why we’ve always been happy to embrace change. The opportunities it creates intrigue and fascinate us – because it’s those opportunities which enable us to help our clients succeed.
It’s the challenge of change we like. When you really know your stuff, when you are out-and-out experts, then using that expertise to think differently, to see round corners and to find better solutions is what makes being an expert fun.
