General counsel, Japan | Accenture
Emi Takeda
General counsel, Japan | Accenture
Team size: 150
What are the most significant cases, projects and transactions that you and your legal team have recently been involved in?
Over the past year, there has been continued strong business growth, with the legal team playing a significant role. For example, the acquisition of a data and AI company aims to enhance Accenture’s data and AI capabilities and expand its offerings to clients. Additionally, establishing a joint venture with a client leveraged Accenture’s expertise in transforming client businesses with the power of generative AI.
In addition to transactions, we contributed to the development of legal guidelines and templates for new offerings, particularly those involving generative AI and the use of our IP assets. These initiatives aimed to enhance business understanding of important legal matters and ultimately contribute to the company’s growth.
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?
During periods of instability or crisis, I manage legal aspects by proactively assessing risks, developing contingency plans, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders. I emphasise aligning with internal and external experts to develop comprehensive plans, ensuring that we leverage diverse insights and expertise.
Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?
I had the opportunity to participate in a leadership development program while I was a senior manager. The program was designed for the next generation of leaders, and selected individuals from both business and corporate functions could participate. At that time, the program lasted for half a year and included various contents, similar to a mini-MBA program. It was a great experience working with colleagues from various organisations and collaborating on certain projects. I still practice some of the takeaways from the program, such as presentation skills, business strategy thinking, and more.
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 that you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful of?
Based on my experiences over the past year, one significant trend in both the legal and business worlds is the increasing use of generative AI. Accenture legal is at the forefront of this trend, leveraging AI in every aspect of our work by collaborating closely with internal and external experts. In-house lawyers should not only stay updated with new trends, tools, and assets but also integrate AI into their daily tasks. We have implemented company-wide AI training programs, including specialised training for legal professionals. By improving efficiency through AI, we can focus more on tasks that require human expertise, ultimately contributing to business growth.
Managing director and Japan legal head | Accenture