Coran Darling is a dual-qualified technology lawyer whose practice focuses on guiding companies as they navigate the challenges of emerging technology regulations and policy, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), open-source, and data governance. He is a recognized thought leader on the responsible governance and ethical deployment of AI and a go-to advisor for the identification and mitigation of AI risks across operations and transactions. Coran is a trusted industry leader in the development of international policy and regulatory AI initiatives, which builds on his role as an advisor for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), International Organization for Standards, and the European AI Office. Coran is a founding member of the US Department of Commerce and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST's) Center for AI Standards and Innovation, where he continues to develop international best practices that form the foundation of how organizations approach development and deployment of AI. Most recently, Coran was a member of the team responsible for developing guidance on how to comply with obligations for providers of general-purpose AI models under the EU AI Act.
Coran maintains a significant corporate advisory and transactional practice. He frequently serves as an AI subject-matter expert on M&A, private equity, and VC/EC investment teams, conducting risk-focused diligence on data assets, hardware and software infrastructure, and the impact of developing industry standards and policy on transactions. Coran partners closely with organizations and deal teams to structure and negotiate AI and data provisions, implement effective risk-mitigation protocols tailored to AI and data rich transactions, and establish effective supplementary AI and data governance protocols pre- and post-transaction. He is frequently called upon by corporate investment organization leadership and deal teams to assess and manage exposure to AI and data risks in high-value and high-stakes transactions and support post-closing technology implementation and compliance management.
Coran also maintains an active pro bono practice that includes representation of veterans during their application for Combat-Related Special Compensation.
