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

In today’s dynamic and complex business environment, the role of in-house counsel has evolved significantly. In my view, these are some of the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel:

Modern in-house counsels must act as strategic business partners who add value to the organisation. This involves understanding the business’s goals in the broader context and aligning the legal agenda to support these objectives. By providing proactive and pragmatic legal advice and identifying opportunities for business optimisation, in-house counsel can help the organisation achieve its strategic goals while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

In today’s dynamic legal landscape, in-house counsel must be exceptionally adaptable and flexible to navigate new regulations, technologies, and business practices. They need to be strategic thinkers, proactively adjusting their approaches to address emerging legal challenges and seize new opportunities.

The role of in-house lawyers has expanded, with a growing expectation to align legal strategies with business outcomes. This requires extending their influence and impact while managing costs effectively. They must continuously learn and relearn, executing tasks with speed and precision.

Moreover, integrating legal considerations into the broader business strategy is crucial. In-house counsel must ensure that legal advice not only mitigates risks but also drives the company’s objectives forward, maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

In-house counsels need to be tech-savvy and leverage technology, including AI, to enhance the quality and speed of their work. This involves using legal research tools, compliance management systems, and project management software to streamline legal processes and improve collaboration with other departments. Understanding and utilising these tools is essential for ensuring compliance and managing risks effectively.

Furthermore, in-house lawyers must adopt a data-driven approach, using data analytics to inform their decisions and strategies. By harnessing the power of data, they can provide more accurate and insightful legal advice, anticipate potential issues, and develop proactive solutions that align with the company’s goals.

In-house counsels often hold leadership positions within the organisation and need to be able to influence decision-making at the highest levels. This requires dynamic leadership skills, the ability to inspire and motivate others, and the capacity to drive change within the organisation.