The Importance of Deep Product Knowledge

A fundamental aspect of effective product counsel is a comprehensive understanding of the product. Gaining the trust of your product team requires more than superficial knowledge; it necessitates a commitment to exploring the intricacies of the product, understanding user experiences, and engaging with technical elements.

Fostering Curiosity

Start by thoroughly using the product. This can be achieved by:

• Exploring every feature and functionality.
• Deliberately testing the boundaries by “breaking” features.
• Engaging directly with customer support to grasp user feedback and challenges.

This hands-on approach not only enhances your technical knowledge but also provides insights into user frustrations and needs, which can inform your legal counsel.

Learning Technology Basics

Understand key technical concepts such as APIs and data flows that are critical to your product. While coding proficiency isn’t required, mastering the basics will enable you to communicate effectively with technical team members. This knowledge allows you to:

• Provide actionable and feasible legal advice.
• Avoid suggesting changes that may hinder the team’s progress.

Empathizing With Users

Legal considerations often intersect with user experience. Assess the customer journey from a user’s perspective to identify potential legal risks. For instance, if critical terms are overly complex or obscured, highlight this as a compliance issue affecting user satisfaction. Redesigning how these terms are presented can lead to improved customer experiences and reduced legal concerns.

Understanding Strategic Goals

Having insight into the company’s overall vision is essential. For example, if a healthcare tool is being developed for international markets, you should prioritize legal compliance with cross-border data regulations. Aligning your legal advice with broader business strategies reinforces your role as a vital partner to the product team.

Proactive Engagement

Being involved early in product development is crucial. Attend roadmap meetings and maintain informal communications with product managers. This proactive approach allows you to identify potential legal issues before they develop into costly problems.

Effective Communication

When providing legal advice, clarity is paramount. Avoid vague statements like “consider privacy laws.” Instead, offer specific recommendations, such as revisions to consent flows to comply with laws like GDPR. Accompany your suggestions with clear visual aids, such as annotated screenshots, to enhance understanding and responsiveness.

Becoming an Advocate

As you deepen your understanding of the product, you can evolve from just a legal advisor to a true advocate for your product team. This might involve defending design decisions to stakeholders, explaining technicalities to regulators, or celebrating product milestones. By showing your commitment to the team’s success, you strengthen relationships and foster a collaborative environment.

A Commitment to Continuous Learning

The field of product counsel is dynamic, requiring ongoing learning and adaptation. Remaining informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes enables you to provide relevant and accurate advice.