Insights from Anu Seam, Former Assistant Vice President & Senior Legal Counsel, AT&T

Insights from Anu Seam, Former Assistant Vice President & Senior Legal Counsel, AT&T

• Growing up in a family with a tradition of lawyers and judges
• Rediscovering her passion for law after moving to the U.S.

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In this episode of The Brand Called You, host Ashutosh Garg interviews Anu Seam, former Assistant Vice President and Senior Legal Counsel at AT&T, exploring her inspiring journey across India and the U.S., her multifaceted legal career, the evolution of technology in the legal profession, and her commitment to pro bono advocacy.

Anu Seam shares valuable insights into the changing landscape of law, the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on legal practice, the challenges and opportunities for women in the legal profession, and the importance of integrity, storytelling, and giving back.

From regulatory and corporate law to immigration advocacy and leadership, this conversation offers a compelling look at how adaptability, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to service can shape a meaningful legal career.

00:51 | What Inspired Anu Seam to Pursue Law—Twice?

• Growing up in a family with a tradition of lawyers and judges
• Rediscovering her passion for law after moving to the U.S.
• Choosing her career consciously despite opportunities to pursue other fields

02:00 | Was There a Defining Moment That Shaped Her International Career?

• Early exposure to international perspectives through the India-U.S. connection
• Transitioning from the Department of Justice to a small telecommunications company, SBC
• Participating in major industry mergers that led to her joining AT&T and handling global legal work

03:04 | How Did Different Legal Environments Shape Anu Seam?

• Lessons learned from private practice, government regulatory bodies, and large corporations
• Challenges of providing impartial legal advice as government counsel
• Balancing conflicting interests while maintaining honesty and integrity

04:49 | How Does a Regulator’s Mindset Differ from That of Corporate Counsel?

• Family skepticism about her transition from regulatory to corporate law
• A regulatory focus on serving the public interest and balancing different perspectives
• A corporate counsel’s focus on advocating for the business and its shareholders

05:48 | What Legal and Ethical AI Issues Concern Anu Seam Most?

• Exploring emerging legal and ethical issues surrounding AI
• Concerns around security, data privacy, and consumer protection
• AI’s role in mental health crises and enabling increasingly sophisticated scams

06:55 | Can Regulation Keep Pace with Technological Innovation?

• Regulation naturally moves more slowly because of formal rulemaking procedures
• The need for collaboration between regulators and the technology industry to develop effective frameworks

07:49 | Which Technological Shifts Most Transformed the Legal Profession?

• The shift from manual legal research to digital databases such as LexisNexis and Westlaw
• Witnessing the digitization of legal research in the Supreme Court of India
• The potential for AI to become the next major transformation in document review and contract analysis

09:29 | What Advice Does Anu Seam Have for Young Lawyers Entering Tech-Driven Law?

• Develop strong technology expertise alongside legal knowledge
• Strengthen communication and teamwork skills for increasingly complex legal environments
• Stay adaptable as technology transforms traditional legal work

10:25 | How Have Opportunities for Women Lawyers Evolved Over the Last Two Decades?

• A significant increase in women attending law schools and working in government and in-house legal roles
• Greater access to mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership opportunities
• Continued gaps in partnership and equity-partner positions

11:28 | What Invisible Barriers Remain for Women in Senior Legal Roles?

• Persistent perceptions and biases affecting women leaders
• Limited access to strong sponsorships and informal professional networks

12:49 | Why Is Giving Back Through Pro Bono Work Important to Anu Seam?

• Addressing the continuing need for legal assistance in nonprofit organizations and communities
• A strong commitment to justice and equality, particularly for women

13:35 | Can You Share a Pro Bono Experience That Reaffirmed Your Purpose?

• A powerful experience helping a client’s family secure asylum
• Witnessing the real-life impact of her legal work and the difference it made to a family

15:09 | What Draws Anu Seam to Mountain Climbing?

• Viewing the mountains as a spiritual home and a connection to her childhood summers
• Finding tranquility, perspective, and a sense of accomplishment through hiking

16:02 | Why Do Stories Matter to Leaders?

• Stories create powerful and memorable messages that can inspire action
• A real-life example of Bryan Stevenson’s storytelling inspiring dozens of AT&T employees to take up pro bono work

17:28 | Is There a Book or Podcast That Changed Anu Seam’s Perspective?

• Caste by Isabel Wilkerson fundamentally changed her understanding of social structures and injustice in both the U.S. and India

18:29 | What Does Anu Seam Want Her Legacy to Be?

• Being remembered for making a meaningful difference through every project
• Bringing love, commitment, and purpose to her work

RESOURCES

Learn more about Anu Seam: LinkedIn

Enjoyed This Podcast?

From India’s courts to the U.S. Department of Justice—and eventually to the corporate world—Anu Seam’s journey reflects adaptability, integrity, and a commitment to making a difference.

As her telecommunications company, SBC, embarked on a series of major mergers, Anu Seam found herself at the center of international legal work, bringing together local expertise and global perspectives.

What lessons from Anu Seam’s journey resonated with you the most?

Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network.

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Thanks for listening!

• Anu Seam is a seasoned legal professional and former Assistant Vice President & Senior Legal Counsel at AT&T, with experience across India and the U.S.
• Her multifaceted career spans corporate law, regulatory matters, technology, and immigration advocacy.
• She explores the evolving impact of AI and technology on the legal profession, emphasizing adaptability and continuous learning.