Team size: 3

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

Over the last 12 months I have, inter alia, been involved in project follow-up and execution of seven newbuilding projects that was contracted during 2022 and 2023, including six offshore wind vessels and one cable laying vessel, all for large international companies. I have been involved in all stages of the project execution; from negotiations of the shipbuilding contracts and the appurtenant sub-contract to project follow-up and delivery of the vessels to their respective owners.

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

I believe that understanding the business side of the organisation is essential in order to align legal strategies with business goals and to provide advice that supports the organisation’s objectives. Further, in-house counsels must be flexible and open to change, willing to adapt to new regulations, business needs and technological advancements as well as being collaborative, approachable and able to work effectively with diverse teams in order to build strong relationships both within the organisation and with external teams.

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

General counsels (like all other leaders) should lead by example, advocating for ESG principles in relevant corporate decisions and policies. By demonstrating a commitment to ESG, they can inspire others within the organisation to follow. Developing clear policies that outline the company’s ESG and compliance commitments and implementing training programs to educate employees about such principles, will contribute to fostering a corporate culture that supports the organisation’s goals within ESG and compliance.

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on, of which you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful?

As the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal practices is accelerating and AI tools are increasingly used for contract analysis and legal research, I believe that in-house lawyers should stay updated on AI advancements and consider how these tools can enhance efficiency and accuracy in our work.