Team size: 4

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

A deep understanding of the business is crucial for providing strategic legal advice that aligns with the company’s goals. Understanding the business allows in-house counsel to offer more relevant and practical solutions, anticipate potential legal issues, and contribute effectively to the overall strategy and success of the organisation. In addition, excellent communication, the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and a proactive approach to risk management are important.

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

General counsel can contribute to a corporate culture that supports ESG principles in many ways, e.g. by actively promoting ESG principles at the executive level, providing regular training to employees at all levels to increase awareness and understanding of ESG issues, supporting the establishment of robust systems for monitoring and compliance, and reporting on ESG performance.

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?

The “tsunami” of new regulations within certain areas (AI, cyber, ESG, etc.) creates significant challenges for companies, including legal departments. These regulations require substantial resources and expertise to manage effectively.