In-house team: 1 lawyer, 1 para-legal administrator

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

I am pleased to have been part of a broader legal team that advised Gerolymatos International SA on the successful cross-border sale of a subsidiary with strong expertise in the dermo-cosmetic sector to a leading conglomerate in the wellness, beauty and personal care industry. This was a highly demanding and complex transaction, involving multiple legal teams across several jurisdictions. My role included providing strategic legal guidance throughout the process and ensuring that all contractual and compliance aspects were addressed efficiently and effectively. The deal was concluded through close cross-border collaboration and careful legal structuring, contributing to a seamless transition and a successful outcome for all parties involved.

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

The role of in-house counsel has evolved significantly. No longer confined to offering legal advice alone, today’s in-house lawyer is expected to act as a strategic business partner. A deep understanding of the company’s commercial objectives is essential, along with the ability to align legal risk management with broader business goals.

Key attributes include strong business acumen, clear and persuasive communication skills, and the agility to adapt to changing legal and regulatory landscapes. Ethical leadership is also critical, particularly as companies face growing ESG and compliance challenges. In-house counsel must demonstrate integrity and the ability to influence decisions while maintaining independence.

Moreover, collaboration across departments and a mindset of continuous learning are vital to remain effective in a dynamic environment. Ultimately, the modern in-house counsel must combine legal expertise with strategic thinking and sound judgement to deliver real value to the organisation.

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?

Over the past year, one trend I have been closely following is the increasing convergence of legal, compliance, and ESG functions within organisations. In-house counsel are now expected not only to manage legal risk but also to contribute actively to sustainability strategies, ethical governance, and reputational oversight. This shift requires a broader skillset and a proactive mindset.

Another key development is the rapid adoption of legal technology, particularly AI-powered tools for contract lifecycle management and risk assessment. While these tools enhance efficiency, they also raise important questions around data privacy, accountability, and human oversight; areas that legal teams must navigate carefully.

Lastly, the regulatory landscape is becoming more fragmented and volatile, especially in areas such as data protection, supply chain transparency, and corporate reporting obligations. In-house lawyers need to remain agile, collaborative, and commercially aware to continue being effective partners to the business.

Staying ahead of these trends is not optional; it is essential to delivering strategic legal value.