What keeps GCs awake at night.

At the intersection of risk, technology, and strategy, GCs face the pressures of regulatory compliance, data protection, AI adoption, and rising litigation risks. Surveys show that over 40% rank compliance as their top concern, while nearly half are already experimenting with generative AI to manage workloads.

The role of the in-house general counsel (GC) has transformed dramatically in recent years. Once seen primarily as risk managers, today’s GCs are strategic advisors, navigating a complex landscape of regulation, technology, and corporate responsibility. This evolution has brought new challenges - many of which weigh heavily on legal leaders long after office hours.

1. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

According to the 2025 General Counsel Report by FTI Consulting and Relativity, 41% of GCs rank regulatory compliance as their number one risk, with increasing complexity across jurisdictions. From data privacy laws to ESG disclosure requirements, compliance is no longer a box-ticking exercise but a strategic imperative.

The same report highlights that 32% of GCs are seeing a rise in disputes and civil litigation, adding further pressure to already stretched legal departments.

2. Technology and AI Adoption

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across industries is another source of sleepless nights. The 2025 In-House Legal Trend Report found that businesses’ use of AI is creating new legal challenges around intellectual property, data privacy, and ethics.

Legal teams themselves are turning to technology for relief: 44% of legal departments are now using generative AI to tackle long-standing challenges and drive efficiency.

Yet, this creates a paradox - while AI offers solutions, it also introduces new risks that GCs must anticipate and mitigate.

3. Data Protection and Cybersecurity

As “data guardians in chief,” GCs are acutely aware of the reputational and financial damage that breaches can cause. The 2025 General Counsel Report emphasises that data protection is now a defining responsibility for legal leaders. With cyberattacks growing in frequency and sophistication, GCs must ensure their organisations are compliant with evolving data regulations while safeguarding against breaches.

4. ESG and Corporate Responsibility

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are no longer peripheral - they are central to corporate strategy. GCs are tasked with ensuring accurate reporting, managing reputational risks, and advising boards on sustainability commitments. This adds another layer of complexity, particularly as regulators tighten disclosure requirements.

5. Rising Expectations and Workload

Finally, GCs face mounting internal pressures. As businesses accelerate digital transformation, other departments expect legal teams to deliver faster, more agile support. The In-House Legal Trend Report notes that AI-enabled business units are increasing the speed and complexity of issues requiring legal input, leaving GCs struggling to keep pace.

Conclusion

What keeps general counsel awake at night is not just the volume of work, but the intersection of risk, technology, and strategy. Regulatory compliance, data protection, AI adoption, ESG obligations, and rising litigation risks all converge to create a demanding environment.

The statistics are clear: over 40% cite compliance as their top concern, nearly half are experimenting with AI, and disputes are on the rise. In-house counsel must balance these pressures while positioning themselves as strategic partners - making their role more critical, and more sleepless, than ever.