Key insights

‍

1. Product Counsel as "Mini GCs".

Vu defines the role as being a bridge between business ambitions and the regulatory climate. The best product lawyers learn the product "equal to or better than" the PMs, understanding data and funds flows to identify issues in privacy, IP, or safety before they become blockers.

‍

2. The Importance of Global Context.

At a scale like Apple’s, legal guidance must be viewed through a worldwide lens. This involves partnering with international teams to understand jurisdictional nuances and recognizing that "brand impact" often outweighs pure legal technicalities.

‍

3. Breaking Through the "IC Plateau."

VU noted that at many tech companies, promotion is tethered to leading large teams. Transitioning from an individual contributor to a manager requires a shift in style, moving from "feedback" to "feedforward"—focusing on future growth rather than just past mistakes.

‍

4. Managing "Big Company Bias" in Startups.

Startup leaders often fear that big-tech lawyers lack nimbleness or are too reliant on unlimited resources. To succeed in a startup, legal leaders must be entrepreneurial, roll up their sleeves, and move "boxes" (functional tasks) alongside their team.

‍

5. Visibility is as Vital as Quality.

Doing good work and "checking the footnotes" is only half the battle. Careers are propelled by strong relationships and strategic self-promotion; if key decision-makers don't know who you are and why your work matters, you may be passed over for opportunities you deserve.

‍

6. Closing insight

The evolution from a legal specialist to a strategic business leader requires you to step out of your "legal swim lane" and take full ownership of the product's success—your influence is only limited by your willingness to show up as a partner rather than just a lawyer.