Who’s behind the robot?
A lawyer who ‘gets’ technology, data and AI.
“Vanessa Barnett is recommended for her work on behalf of high-growth, venture capital-backed technology businesses, helping them achieve scale, enable internet-led business models, negotiate licence arrangements and navigate the regulatory landscape.”
“Vanessa Barnett takes the time and effort to understand the underlying technology and business model like no other lawyer, so her advice is always super-focussed”
“Vanessa’s sensible and pragmatic approach ensures that we are making the right decision for our business. If I have an issue, Vanessa is the first person I call.”
Vanessa Barnett been at the forefront of advising technology and data enabled businesses for over 20 years. She advised the likes of Amazon, Apple, Google and Tesco.com for large parts of her career, which started with the original .com boom in the Noughties when she decided upon qualification to become an “internet lawyer”.
Vanessa understands the business models that are based on using and selling services built on various tech stacks: software, data, cloud, artificial intelligence, platforms, open source, content, marketplaces. Vanessa now deploys her experience and expertise to help accellarate growth at (mainly) VC backed companies with a strong tech stack at the core of their business. This includes advising on legal strategy, international expansion, compliance, data protection, intellectual property, contracts and sales support.
Vanessa is a graduate of the Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme run by Said Business School:
history and potential trajectory of AI (where we are, Terminator isn't here any time soon, robust discussion on Singularity!)
machine learning workflows for supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement learning (understand different types of AI learning)
mechanics of machine learning algorithms such as neural networks (real granular detail of how AI actually works - which I consider critical to giving legal advice on AI)
identify potential for AI impact in business (where AI can really add value - don't want or need it everywhere (remember that time Amazon sold GDPR compliant paperclips 😏))
develop ethical principles for AI in buisness context (things like data quality/quantity, bias, errors, explainability, misuse of personal data and copyrighted materials)
regulatory landscape for AI (including EU AI Act, GDPR, etc)
developing a buisness case for AI (needs, alignment, finance, test and analyse)
understand societal implications of AI (AI for good, etc)
Vanessa holds a number of Open Source Licence Compliance certifications from The Linux Foundation:
open source licensing for software developers (LFC191)
open source licensing compliance management (LFC193 & 194)
As Chair of Open Knowledge Foundation she is also deeply involved open data licensing (OKF are the custodians of the Open Data Definition).
“Vanessa is great to work with and I really value her advice. She has a standout strength in providing pragmatic, creative, legally sound solutions to complex challenges.”
“Vanessa is simply one of the best lawyers I’ve ever worked with. She is exceptionally smart - for one, she was literally the only lawyer who understood our product and business model. She is also commercial, and does not get hung up on things that don’t matter when concluding negotiations with customers.”