What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

As GATX Rail Europe is a leading railcar lessor with a fleet of more than 30,000 railcars with nearly 200 different wagon types, my team and I worked on a wide range of legal matters in various European jurisdictions, such as: compliance, in particular in the areas of anti-corruption, sanctions and whistleblowing; corporate finance, in particular credit facility agreements; corporate law, in particular mergers & acquisitions; legal support of the purchasing departments, in particular on service framework agreements, long-term supply agreements, and general purchasing terms; legal topics related to telematics and sensors on our railcars and related EU legislation, in particular the EU Data Act; enterprise resource planning (ERP) migration project and related framework agreement with an IT service provider; and litigations, in particular damage claims against third parties that damaged our railcars, and insolvency proceedings of customers.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

In my opinion, an in-house counsel should have a clear understanding of how the company operates, along with its key drivers and risks. By grasping what drives his/her business colleagues and speaking the same language, the in-house counsel can provide legal solutions that align with the organisation’s goals and objectives. This understanding helps the in-house counsel build credibility and influence within the company.

Moreover, the in-house counsel should proactively cultivate relationships across different functions and departments, ensuring that they recognise the value Legal adds to the business. Since the Legal department typically does not generate revenue, it is essential for the in-house counsel to regularly communicate the significant contributions made by his/her team. Whenever possible, this communication should include relevant facts and figures, similar to how business colleagues present information. For instance, a report on a favorable settlement should include an overview of the savings it brings to the company.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

At GATX, our compliance approach emphasises that adhering to our code of conduct and doing things the right way, ethically, with integrity, and in full compliance with the law, is not just a policy; it is ingrained in our culture. I firmly believe that when faced with difficult decisions at work, you should prioritise ethics and integrity above all else and expect the same from those around you. Regardless of your role in the company, it is essential to be honest, fair, and to treat others with dignity and respect.