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Jordi: Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Carrie Jones — Principal Associate at Capital Law in the UK. Carrie has a deep background in commercial disputes and an increasing focus on cybersecurity. She's also a strong advocate for resilience and innovation in today’s dynamic business environment. Carrie, welcome!

Carrie: Thank you for having me.

Why Commercial Disputes?

Jordi: Carrie, you’ve focused your career on commercial disputes. What first attracted you to this field, and how has your view of it changed over time?

Carrie: I was drawn to it because of its variety—every industry has disputes. One day I’m dealing with a football club, another day an abattoir, shareholder issues, or contract disputes. Initially, I worried about not being an expert in just one thing. But I’ve learned that while each case is different, clients always want the same outcome: a quick, cost-effective resolution. I also love the historical nature of UK law—reading a case about egg sellers from the 1800s that’s still relevant today is fascinating to me.

A Day in the Life at Capital Law

Jordi: What does a typical day look like for you now at Capital Law?

Carrie: There is no typical day! It can all change in minutes. Sure, there’s drafting and research, but a lot of it is strategy—understanding motives, finding trade-offs, and bridging gaps. For example, someone might claim one thing but really want something else. It's all about figuring out how to resolve that efficiently.

Law Meets Cybersecurity

Jordi: You've been active in cybersecurity events and awareness. How do you see the intersection of law and cyber resilience evolving?

Carrie: It’s evolving quickly. In the UK, we now see laws emerging that specifically protect critical national infrastructure and suppliers. Often, companies are hesitant to involve lawyers during cyber incidents—seeing us as expensive or obstructive. But we offer essential guidance, like ensuring ransom payments are legally compliant across jurisdictions. Also, we can help protect sensitive reports under legal privilege so they’re not disclosed in court or to competitors.

Jordi: Absolutely. At some point, it’s not a matter of "if" but "when" a cyber incident will occur.

Carrie: Exactly. That’s why I run free workshops through the Cyber Resilience Centre in Wales. We simulate ransomware scenarios—what you should do, who to call, and what to consider, including working with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office). Many companies don’t realize the resources out there.

The Blackout in Spain

Jordi: Just this week in Spain, we experienced a massive blackout—no internet, trains, elevators, and phones started to fail. No one knows yet what caused it. One possibility? A cyber attack. It really shows how vulnerable our systems can be.

Carrie: That’s terrifying. Infrastructure like hospitals and airports often have backup generators, but transportation systems don’t always. It highlights why preparedness is essential.

Legal Blind Spots in Tech and AI

Jordi: What are some of the biggest legal blind spots you’ve seen in companies expanding online or using AI?

Carrie: Many companies use third-party vendors for digital growth, but they don’t monitor these suppliers well. If vendors mishandle data, the liability can fall on the business. Contracts need to allow for accountability and growth. With Generative AI, especially in regulated industries, there’s uncertainty about what's legally allowed. Policies need to be updated to reflect how data is processed with AI tools.

Carrie: Also, know what your tools are doing. One case in Canada involved a chatbot from an airline that gave incorrect advice about bereavement fares. The court ruled the company was responsible because the chatbot speaks for the business.

Jordi: Wow! So, the chatbot’s mistake became the airline’s liability. Fascinating—and a bit scary when you think about Gen AI giving unexpected responses.

Carrie: Exactly. And we’re also dealing with questions like, “Who owns AI-generated content?” Right now, in the U.S., you can’t patent it because it wasn’t made by a legal person. These are big gray areas.

Pro Bono Work and Legal Literacy

Jordi: You’ve done pro bono work with amateur rugby clubs. How important is legal literacy for small organizations?

Carrie: It’s critical. Many of these clubs are run by volunteers and face strict regulations. Simple mistakes can lead to fines or points deductions. As small organizations grow, they need contracts that evolve with them—like the ability to renegotiate prices or change suppliers. If you don’t future-proof your agreements, you risk getting stuck.

Advice to Young Professionals

Jordi: What advice would you give young professionals aiming to lead in the commercial disputes field?

Carrie:Resilience is key. It’s a tough job—your day can change in a heartbeat. Also, attention to detail. There’s so much information out there now. Young professionals often rush to find quick answers. My advice: slow down, analyze thoroughly, and be precise. Leadership in law requires strategic thinking and a deep understanding of the issues—not just speed.

How to Contact Carrie

Jordi: For those who’d like to connect with you or Capital Law, what’s the best way?

Carrie:My LinkedIn page is great—just search my name. Or email me at carrie.jones@capitallaw.co.uk. Always happy to help!