How Ciara O’Buachalla Pivoted from Law to AI Governance, and What In‑House Lawyers Can Learn

Our 2025 white paper posed the question, “Why are lawyers underrepresented in CEO roles?” The response to the publication was so overwhelmingly positive that the team decided to continue the conversation. We launched an interview series with Heads of Legal and General Counsel to explore what it truly takes to step out of one’s comfort zone and progress up the in-house career ladder. Although these legal leaders offered a wide range of perspectives, common themes emerged throughout their stories: pushing past fear and remaining open to the new and unknown.

In this latest interview in our in-house legal series, we’re joined by Ciara O'Buachalla, AI Governance Advisor at Logitech.

Ciara highlights that one of the biggest challenges lawyers face when moving into non‑traditional roles is navigating the chaos, ambiguity, and lack of structure that contrasts sharply with the organised environment of legal practice. Many lawyers fear stepping outside their comfort zone, worrying about losing professional identity or credibility, particularly when transitioning during pivotal career periods. They emphasise that lawyers often underestimate how transferable their core skills are -  from rapid learning and problem‑solving to clear communication and handling complex information - all of which prove invaluable in business roles.

She advises lawyers to take small, practical steps such as carving out time to work on internal projects, gaining hands‑on exposure, and demonstrating value beyond legal tasks. Ciara also stresses the importance of working with line managers to balance legal responsibilities while testing new areas, ensuring the transition is sustainable for both the lawyer and the business. Ultimately, she encourages lawyers to embrace experimentation, treat career moves as reversible “two‑way doors,” and rely on their existing strengths to thrive in unfamiliar roles.