

Notes To My (Legal) Self
Olga V. Mack
Hello! Welcome to Notes To My (Legal) Self. Together with our incredible guests, we explore topics of interest to in-house lawyers, including career tips, leadership, the future of law, mental health, legal tech, and more.
We've recently added specialty seasons to cater to specific interests of in-house lawyers:
AI Insights: Trends and applications of AI in law.
Let's Law Better: Improving legal operations.
Future Belongs to Builders: Innovations in legal tech.
Join us as we dive into these exciting topics!
We've recently added specialty seasons to cater to specific interests of in-house lawyers:
AI Insights: Trends and applications of AI in law.
Let's Law Better: Improving legal operations.
Future Belongs to Builders: Innovations in legal tech.
Join us as we dive into these exciting topics!
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 30, 2024 • 47min
Season 7, Episode 3: The Power of Digital Policy in Your Enterprise (with Kristina Podnar)
Welcome to Notes to My (Legal) Self, where today’s episode promises to be an enlightening journey into the dynamic world of digital policies and data provenance. Our guest, a seasoned digital policy consultant, brings over two decades of experience in helping organizations balance the risks and opportunities of emerging technologies.
In this engaging conversation, you’ll discover what drives excitement for digital policies, the journey of our guest from the wild days of the dot-com era to becoming a leading consultant, and the transformative impact of digital governance on corporate strategies and operations. The discussion delves into how digital transformation reshapes business landscapes, from AI and VR to blockchain, and the necessity of robust policies to manage these innovations.
Our guest explains what digital policies truly entail, moving beyond the common misconceptions to understanding them as essential guardrails that foster innovation and protect brands. The episode covers the process of developing effective digital policies, the importance of having a clear set of rules, and the role of digital policy stewards in disseminating and implementing these policies.
In the latter part of the episode, the focus shifts to the Data Trust Alliance and the development of data provenance standards. You’ll gain insights into the importance of data lineage, the challenges and benefits of tracking data origins, and the balance between what’s necessary and what’s doable in ensuring trustworthy data.
Key takeaways from this episode include the liberating potential of well-crafted digital policies, the evolving role of lawyers in digital governance, and the exciting future of data provenance standards. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how these elements can drive business success, foster innovation, and enhance trust in the digital age.
Join us as we explore these topics with passion and expertise, ensuring you walk away with actionable insights and a newfound appreciation for the critical role of digital policies and data governance in today’s rapidly changing technological landscape.

May 30, 2024 • 41min
Season 7, Episode 2: Navigating AI's High and Mid-Level Risks (with Olga Mack and Kassi Burns)
Dive into the intriguing world of AI regulation with the latest episode of Notes to my (Legal) Self! This time, they explore the complexities of the EU AI Act and its implications for the future of artificial intelligence. Join Kassi Burns and Olga V. Mack as they navigate the high and mid-level risks outlined in the Act, breaking down how these risk levels are defined and why they matter.
The conversation starts with an engaging discussion on AI risk categorizations, featuring real-world examples of AI applications that fall into high and mid-level risk categories. They explore the implications these categorizations have on innovation, development, and ethical AI usage. You'll hear fascinating case studies and insights into how different AI applications are assessed under the EU AI Act.
As they delve deeper, they consider the global ramifications of the EU's approach to AI regulation. How might this influence AI policy and industry standards worldwide? What are the potential challenges and benefits of striving for a global consensus on AI risk levels? They invite you to reflect on these questions and share your thoughts and experiences during the live discussions.
To make things even more engaging, Kassi and Olga open up with their signature "fire drill" questions, revealing their preferences and quirks that you won't find on LinkedIn. From their debate on concise versus verbose legal writing to their thoughts on legal ethics dilemmas and the ideal law firm culture, they keep things lively and relatable.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the EU AI Act's criteria for high and mid-level AI risks.
Real-world examples of AI applications within these risk categories and their impacts.
The balance between fostering innovation and ensuring ethical AI practices.
Global implications of the EU's AI regulations and potential for international standards.
Personal insights into their professional styles and approaches to legal challenges.
By tuning in, you'll not only gain a clearer understanding of the EU AI Act but also enjoy a candid and entertaining conversation that brings AI regulation to life. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and join a vibrant community of curious minds.
Share your thoughts on AI risk categorizations and their impact on AI development. How do you see these regulations shaping the future of AI? Leave a comment, engage with them on social media, and let’s continue the conversation!
Join them for this insightful episode and stay tuned for part two, where they delve into the other aspects of the EU AI Act and its broader implications!

May 28, 2024 • 41min
Season 7, Episode 1: The Magic of Creating Open Source Businesses (with Heather Meeker)
In this episode of Notes to my (Legal) Self, we dive into the fascinating world of open source software with Heather Maker, an accomplished lawyer and venture capitalist. Heather, who has been a mentor and inspiration for many years, shares her journey from practicing law in Silicon Valley to joining OSS Capital, a venture fund focused exclusively on commercial open source development. Her unique blend of legal expertise and investment acumen offers a compelling perspective on the intersection of law, technology, and business.
Heather's story is one of unexpected twists and passion for open source. Starting as a lawyer specializing in software licensing, she transitioned into the venture capital world, bringing a deep understanding of open source legal issues to her investment strategy. Heather discusses her career trajectory, from working at prestigious law firms to co-founding a fund that supports innovative open source projects.
In this engaging conversation, we explore the nuances of open source business models, the role of intellectual property rights, and the symbiotic relationship between open source and artificial intelligence. Heather explains how open source projects can thrive in recessionary periods due to their capital efficiency and community-driven nature. She also addresses the complexities of making money from open source software and the importance of trademarks in building a successful open source business.
Heather's insights are invaluable for entrepreneurs, developers, and legal professionals navigating the open source landscape. Whether you're curious about the legal aspects of open source, interested in starting your own open source project, or just looking to understand how open source can drive business innovation, this episode is packed with practical advice and thought-provoking ideas.
Open Source Business Models: Learn about the most effective open source business models, including the popular software-as-a-service (SaaS) approach, and understand why these models are particularly suited to inflationary and recessionary periods.
Intellectual Property in Open Source: Discover the critical roles of copyright and trademarks in open source, and how these IP rights can shape your business strategy.
AI and Open Source: Explore the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and open source, and why transparency in AI development is crucial for fostering innovation and trust.
Investing in Open Source: Gain insights into why venture capital funds are increasingly interested in open source projects and how specialized knowledge in this area can streamline investment processes and drive success.
Join us for this enlightening episode and delve into the dynamic world of open source with one of its foremost experts. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, you'll come away with a deeper understanding of how open source can transform businesses and drive technological advancement.

Dec 30, 2023 • 41min
Season 6, Episode 20: Unveiling the Future of Data Integrity: Exploring the Data Provenance Standards (with Kassi Burns and Olga V. Mack)
Attorney Kassi Burns, with 10 years of experience in AI and Machine Learning, discusses the Data Provenance Standards initiative by the Data & Trust Alliance. Learn how these standards promise transparency in data's journey from source to application and their potential to revolutionize sectors like healthcare and finance. Uncover challenges and benefits of standardizing metadata for data sets and explore future trends in data governance.

Dec 30, 2023 • 17min
Season 6, Episode 19: AWS Report Analysis (with Olga V. Mack)
Expert in AI and workforce preparation, Olga Mack, discusses the impact of AI on the legal industry, including increased efficiency and accuracy, enhanced access to legal services, and the importance of addressing ethical and regulatory concerns. Legal professionals are predicted to require a blend of legal expertise and AI skills, including AI literacy, ethics, adaptability, and collaboration.

Dec 30, 2023 • 45min
Season 6, Episode 18: AI at the Crossroads: Navigating the New FTC Landscape (with Kassi Burns and Olga V. Mack)
Attorney Kassi Burns, with 10 years of experience using AI and Machine Learning, discusses the future of AI and its impact on consumer rights and competition laws. They also delve into the FTC's Voice Cloning Challenge and its call for multidisciplinary solutions. The podcast explores client confidentiality, shopping preferences, lawyer jokes, and the importance of good writing and evidence in legal cases. They also discuss negotiating sensitive issues, aligning facts and the law, and the impact of technology on the legal field.

Dec 29, 2023 • 50min
Season 6, Episode 17: Florida v. California (with Kassi Burns and Olga V. Mack)
Attorney and AI expert, Kassi Burns, discusses the contrasting AI ethics approaches in Florida and California. They delve into the potential of generative AI for law practice, emphasizing the importance of active learning and practical experimentation. The chapter also highlights the hope for alignment among states regarding technology competency guidelines in the legal profession.

Dec 29, 2023 • 46min
Season 6, Episode 16: Corporate Governance Failure in OpenAI (with Duane Valz)
In this thought-provoking Notes to My Legal Self AI Insights episode, we're dissecting the tumultuous shifts in corporate governance at OpenAI. Join us as we welcome Duane Valz, a seasoned Silicon Valley legal expert, to unravel the events leading to Sam Altman's unexpected departure and the broader implications for AI governance.
Key Takeaways:
The Evolution of OpenAI: A detailed exploration of OpenAI's transformation from a non-profit entity to a complex, venture-backed organization and how this shift impacted its corporate governance.
Sam Altman's Departure: Analyzing the circumstances and aftermath of Altman's exit, including its ripple effects across the AI industry.
Corporate Governance Challenges: Lessons on foresight and strategy for rapidly evolving tech companies, with a focus on maintaining robust governance structures.
Duane Valz, currently serving as VP & General Counsel at Insitro, shares his extensive experience in corporate law and IP strategy, drawing from his roles at Google, Zymergen Inc., and his involvement in several non-profit boards.
Special Features:
A deep dive into Duane's Medium article that sparked a significant conversation about OpenAI's governance issues.
An analysis of the complexities of OpenAI's corporate structure and its implications for the AI industry.
Teaser Questions:
What were the underlying factors that led to the corporate governance failure at OpenAI?
How could OpenAI's structure and strategy serve as a cautionary tale for other tech companies?
In what ways could OpenAI have navigated its challenges differently for a more stable outcome?
Subscribe to our podcast to stay connected with the evolving world of AI and law. We encourage listeners to share their perspectives on this episode's themes in the comments and join us for our next episode for more enriching discussions.
This episode promises to be a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the intersection of AI, corporate law, and technology governance. Join us for an enlightening journey through the inner workings of one of the most influential companies in AI.

Dec 29, 2023 • 43min
Season 6, Episode 15: NIST Workshop (with Kassi Burns and Olga V. Mack)
Welcome to Episode 15 of Season 6, where we delve into the transformative world of AI, sparked by the recent NIST workshop on AI safety and trustworthiness. In this episode, we are thrilled to have Olga Mack and Kassi Burns, an attorney with a decade of experience in AI and machine learning, joining us for a comprehensive discussion.
Key Takeaways:
Insight into marrying AI potential with ethical practices.
Understanding the synergy between tech leaders and policymakers.
Exploring cutting-edge tools and models in AI safety.
Kassi Burns, an attorney and seasoned expert in AI and Machine Learning, shares her perspective on AI’s impact on legal issues and the significance of blockchain, NFTs, and web3.
Special Features:
Deep dive into NIST's "A USAISI Workshop: Collaboration to Enable Safe and Trustworthy AI."
Exploration of innovative strategies for AI ethics.
Discussion on the role of tech leaders and policymakers in shaping AI.
Intriguing Teaser Questions:
How can AI development balance innovation and ethics?
What are the emerging challenges in making AI safe and trustworthy?
How will AI shape the future of legal professions and other industries?
Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful discussions and follow us on Twitter at @AIPodcast for updates.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of AI, its ethical implications, and the future it holds for various industries. Join us on this insightful journey!

Dec 29, 2023 • 36min
Season 6, Episode 14: How to Use Agent GPT in Law: A Guide to Autonomous AI Agents (with Kassi Burns and Olga V. Mack)
Welcome to Episode 14 of Season 6, where the world of law meets cutting-edge AI technology! In this episode, titled "How to Use Agent GPT in Law: A Guide to Autonomous AI Agents", we dive deep into the integration of AI in the legal sphere with our special guests, Kassi Burns and Olga Mack. Kassi, a seasoned attorney with a decade of experience in AI and machine learning, joins us to share her insights into the evolving landscape of law and technology.
Key Takeaways:
Kassi Burns' journey from transactional law to the forefront of eDiscovery and privacy law.
The role of AI and machine learning in modern legal practices.
Practical applications and limitations of AI tools like Agent GPT in legal settings.
Creative uses of AI agents for non-legal purposes.
Future implications of AI in the legal profession.
Kassi Burns, a Senior Attorney at King and Spalding, is known for her expertise in eDiscovery, privacy law, data breach response, and information law. She brings a unique perspective to the table, emphasizing the importance of AI and machine learning in legal services.
Special Features:
Insights into the creation and customization of AI agents for legal and personal use.
An intriguing discussion on the conservative nature of AI tools and how to creatively direct them.
Perspectives on the ethical considerations and practical applications of AI in law.
Intriguing Teaser Questions:
How is AI reshaping the legal industry?
Can AI agents like GPT truly understand and work within legal frameworks?
What are the innovative ways attorneys like Kassi Burns are utilizing AI in their practice?
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Stay tuned for our next episode, where we continue exploring the fascinating intersection of law and technology.