At the 2026 General Counsel Conference East in New York, Kristen Chittenden, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Turnitin, LLC, participated in a discussion on the evolving challenges of legal privilege in the era of artificial intelligence. The session, titled “Privilege on the Line: What AI Does to Your Most Important Protection,” addressed the complexities AI introduces to maintaining attorney-client confidentiality.
Chittenden, known for her innovative and practical approach to legal leadership, emphasized the necessity for legal departments to adapt their strategies to safeguard privileged communications amidst the integration of AI technologies. She highlighted the importance of understanding how AI tools process and store information, which could inadvertently expose sensitive data if not properly managed.
Joining Chittenden on the panel were Eric Bryant, Intellectual Property Officer at the Center for Technology Licensing at Cornell University; Marla Crawford, General Counsel at Cimplifi; and Michelle Six, Of Counsel at Gunster. Together, they explored best practices for implementing AI solutions without compromising legal protections, underscoring the need for continuous education and vigilance in this rapidly evolving landscape.
The General Counsel Conference East serves as a platform for legal executives to discuss pressing issues, including AI integration, strategic leadership, and data privacy. This year’s event featured a diverse agenda, with sessions such as “The New M&A Calculus: What’s Actually Changed and What Hasn’t,” reflecting the multifaceted challenges faced by today’s legal professionals.
For more information on the conference and its sessions, visit the official agenda page.