(Image caption: Stacy McLean of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP)
In a new report, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP suggests that women general counsel (GCs) may be uniquely placed to help boards govern artificial intelligence (AI) effectively – with judgment, adaptability, fluency, cross-functional insight, and a knack for asking the right questions at the right time.
According to the firm, the ninth edition of its report seeks to shed light on the playing field for women GCs who are striving to become board leaders. The report also aims to help boards recognize the existing potential within the Canadian legal executive community.
“The Blakes Board Report continues to be an important benchmark for measuring progress in board diversity and governance across Canada,” said Heather Mullen, head of law (Canada) and corporate secretary at Kenvue Canada Inc., as well as president and chair of Women General Counsel Canada.
Blakes shared that this year’s report focuses on AI as a governance challenge and discusses how women GCs may be well-positioned to assist boards in bridging the AI governance gap.
Topics tackled in Blakes Board Report
According to Mullen, the report offers “valuable insight into emerging trends, highlights areas of continued opportunity and reinforces the importance of diverse perspectives in boardroom decision-making.”
Specifically, the latest Blakes Board Report delves into:
- where women GCs are increasingly obtaining board seats
- how women still have a unique advantage in some boardroom segments, especially in bigger companies
- where progress has reached a plateau
- which areas may present meaningful opportunities for women GCs
“As organizations navigate increasing complexity — from regulatory change and geopolitical uncertainty to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and evolving stakeholder expectations — the role of GCs has become increasingly strategic,” Mullen said. “Today’s legal leaders contribute not only legal expertise, but also critical perspectives on governance, risk oversight, ethics and long-term value creation.”
Board director insights
The firm noted that the report also includes insights from experienced board directors on the shifting nature of governance and the impacts of AI on boards.
Stacy McLean – Toronto-based partner, leader of the Blakes investment products and asset management group, and co-chair of the firm’s fund formation group – noted that the skill set boards expect when recruiting may be broadening.
“GCs frequently go into the business and come back to a GC role, or they stay in that business role but still have that GC experience in their background,” McLean said in the report. “Make sure that you articulate that and get credit for it when considering your experience against the skills matrix.”
The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory has featured McLean as a leading lawyer in the areas of corporate finance and securities, investment funds and asset management, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG).
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