Team size: 50+ people

Career Biography

Yvonne Cunnane is VP & Head of Data Protection for Meta Platforms Ireland, leading a team of international privacy lawyers who work daily in this fast-evolving area of law and practice. She is at the cutting edge of developments in the data protection & privacy space and provides legal advice and regulatory support to teams in Europe and APAC, MENA & LATAM. Prior to her role with Meta, Cunnane spent many years in private practice in Ireland and internationally, advising on technology and telecommunications commercial contracts and data protection related issues. Graduating from University of Limerick with a BA in Law and German, Cunnane completed a Masters in Law and Economics at the University of Hamburg before qualifying as a solicitor with the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland.

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on, of which you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful?

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be a transformative force across industries, and legal departments are no exception. In-house lawyers should remain vigilant about the opportunities and challenges AI presents for both their organisations and the practice of law itself. AI-driven tools are increasingly being leveraged to streamline contract management, automate routine tasks, and enhance document review processes. By adopting these technologies, legal teams can drive efficiencies and allocate resources to more strategic work. However, successful implementation requires understanding the technology’s limitations and maintaining rigorous oversight to ensure outputs remain accurate, reliable, and fit for purpose.

In addition, the regulatory landscape around AI is rapidly evolving. European and international authorities are drafting and implementing frameworks aimed at promoting the safe, fair, and transparent use of AI systems. In-house counsel must monitor these developments closely, especially as regulations may impose new obligations around data protection, algorithmic transparency, and risk management. Additionally, ethical considerations — such as preventing bias and ensuring accountability — should be central to any AI adoption strategy. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in business processes, in-house lawyers play a crucial role as trusted advisors. This includes assessing legal and regulatory risks, guiding organisational governance, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop responsible AI policies and safeguards. It is essential for in-house teams to proactively keep informed about technological advancements and advocating for thoughtful, compliant AI integration will be key in supporting sustainable business objectives while upholding legal and ethical standards. AI represents both a catalyst for operational improvement and a source of significant legal considerations. In-house lawyers who proactively engage with these trends — not just reacting to changes, but also helping shape them — are well-positioned to add value and help their organisations navigate this rapidly changing landscape.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

Today’s dynamic and complex business environment demands that in-house counsel go beyond traditional legal roles and become indispensable business partners. The most effective legal teams share a core set of skills and attributes essential for meeting modern challenges. Key attributes include strong analytical skills to assess and manage risks, and the ability to align legal strategies with business objectives to drive growth and innovation. Legal professionals who understand company strategy and industry trends can provide advice that advances the organisation’s goals. Effective in-house counsel integrate business acumen with legal expertise to drive meaningful, strategic decision-making. Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential, enabling counsel to work seamlessly with various departments and stakeholders. Additionally, adaptability and resilience are crucial, allowing counsel to respond swiftly to changes and crises. Finally, leveraging technology to enhance legal processes and decision-making is increasingly important in staying ahead in a competitive landscape.