OSS + ELC EU 2026

Have you ever felt frustrated that your legal counsel simply does not seem to understand what you are saying? Or are you a lawyer who simply cannot understand why the developers you are trying to help can’t speak clearly? Then you are not alone, and this is the session for you! Lawyers and engineers often speak different languages, which can lead to frustration when collaborating in an open source setting.

Removing friction between legal and engineering communication is no small task. However, doing so unlocks significant value: legal can provide clearer, more actionable advice and better understand risks, while engineers and developers gain a deeper understanding of that guidance. We will will share personal OSPO insights and practical strategies for enabling efficient, clear communication between these distinct functions.

The goal is not to turn engineers into lawyers or lawyers into software developers, but rather helps both sides understand and support each other more effectively. Without a shared language between engineering and legal, messages to management risk getting lost in translation. With clear communication we can all work more efficient together!