Hi, I'm Sam Clearwater - Senior Vice President and Counsel - AI at The D. E. Shaw Group | AIGP, CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM, FIP | Ex-Google | Rising Star (New York Legal Awards) | Bloomberg Law 40 Under 40
I thrive at the intersection of cutting-edge AI and legal strategy, passionately shaping the future of technology. My drive comes from empowering innovation, whether guiding startups or pioneering AI governance. I excel in fast-paced environments where complex challenges meet bold ideas.
At a glance
Curated signals on strengths, focus areas, and how they can help.
Advised Google on experimental AI research, generative models, and product launches, combining deep technical understanding with extensive global legal practice.
Served as de facto General Counsel for over 40 startups at Google's incubator, Area 120, across diverse tech sectors.
Can provide strategic legal counsel on complex AI and emerging technology matters, and mentor early-stage companies.
🚀 Career trajectory
Foundation in Tech & Law
Early academic excellence and international study paved the way for a diverse legal career.
✦ Top Student
✦ Global Exposure
Incubating Innovation at Google
Five years at Area 120, Google's internal incubator, advising startups and reviewing investment pitches.
✦ Startup Advisor
✦ Venture Assessment
Deep Dive into AI at Google
A decade at Google, culminating in leading product counsel for AI and advising on groundbreaking research.
✦ Senior Product Counsel
✦ AI Research Lead
Leading AI Counsel
Currently serving as Senior Vice President and Counsel, leading AI legal strategy at The D. E. Shaw Group.
✦ SVP & Counsel
✦ AI Strategy
💪🏻 Superpowers
Pioneering AI Legal Frameworks
Navigating the complex legal landscape of emerging AI technologies.
✦ Lead attorney for AI at The D. E. Shaw Group, shaping legal strategy.
✦ Advised Google on experimental AI research, generative models, and product launches.
✦ Expertise in ML fairness, training data, and ethical AI development.
Startup Ecosystem Architect
Empowering early-stage ventures with legal and strategic guidance.
✦ Served as de facto General Counsel for over 40 startups at Google's incubator.
✦ Reviewed hundreds of pitches for novel AI and tech products.
✦ Advised on generative AI, digital health, blockchain, and e-commerce legal needs.
Global Privacy & Compliance Authority
Ensuring robust data protection and international legal adherence.
✦ Holds AIGP, CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM certifications and FIP designation.
✦ Admitted to practice in California, England & Wales, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia.
✦ Extensive international experience across UK, France, Senegal, Japan, and US.
I'm excited about
✦ Connecting with fellow leaders in AI and emerging technologies to explore future collaborations.
✦ Discovering innovative startups and investment opportunities at the forefront of technological advancement.
✦ Engaging in discussions about the ethical and legal implications of advanced AI systems.
I can help with
✦ Providing strategic legal counsel on complex AI and emerging technology matters.
✦ Mentoring early-stage companies navigating legal challenges in tech sectors.
✦ Sharing insights on global data privacy regulations and compliance strategies.
I would love your help on
✦ Identifying emerging AI research labs and academic pioneers.
✦ Finding co-founders or collaborators for novel AI-driven ventures.
✦ Connecting with policy makers shaping AI regulation globally.
