In this episode of The Legal Innovation Forum Podcast, we sit down with Virginia Neiswender, Associate General Counsel for Enterprise Privacy at Cox Enterprises, to explore the evolving landscape of privacy, data governance, and the role of lawyers in driving innovation.

Virginia shares her fascinating career journey—from her early days as an employee benefits and bankruptcy lawyer to her transition into privacy and cybersecurity. She delves into how she was initially brought on to define Cox’s privacy program for employee data but soon found herself leading broader data governance and cybersecurity initiatives. Today, she oversees privacy efforts across Cox Communications, Cox Automotive, and other business units, shaping the company’s approach to managing data responsibly.

We also discuss how Cox has built a scalable privacy and security governance framework designed to adapt to the diverse needs of its business lines. Virginia emphasizes the importance of not just harmonizing policies but creating flexible programs that evolve alongside regulatory and enforcement changes. Her team plays a proactive role in embedding privacy and security considerations into new business initiatives, ensuring compliance without stifling innovation.

Beyond governance, Virginia reflects on the unique role lawyers play in fostering innovation. She explains how legal professionals contribute to the creative process by challenging assumptions, structuring risk assessments, and identifying opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked. A strong sense of curiosity, she notes, is essential for lawyers who want to remain relevant in fast-evolving industries.

The conversation also touches on the intersection of privacy, data governance, and artificial intelligence. With the exponential growth of data, organizations must prioritize data hygiene and governance, and Cox’s legal team is at the forefront of guiding AI adoption—both for internal efficiencies and customer-facing applications. Virginia highlights the rapidly shifting regulatory landscape, including the increasing complexity of state-level privacy laws and the need for scalable, risk-based compliance strategies.

Looking ahead, Virginia anticipates greater consolidation of state privacy laws, leading to more coordinated multi-state enforcement actions. Her advice to aspiring legal professionals? Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and cultivate curiosity as a superpower.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on privacy, innovation, and the future of legal leadership in an increasingly data-driven world.