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

Over the past 12 months, I have been involved in several high-impact legal projects, notably including the following:

I provided legal support on multiple M&A transactions, including the acquisition of majority shareholdings in three different companies. My role included due diligence, drafting and negotiating share purchase agreements, coordinating with external advisors, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.

Construction and infrastructure project: I advised on a complex project involving the construction of new manufacturing facilities. This included reviewing and negotiating major construction contracts (EPC and subcontractor agreements), as well as structuring and negotiating finance documentation related to the project. I also supported the internal alignment between legal, finance, and operations teams to ensure smooth execution and risk mitigation.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

One of the most significant and transformative experiences in my career was moving from a dispute resolution-focused practice to becoming in-house legal counsel. As an external lawyer, I primarily handled disputes and litigation, which sharpened my ability to assess legal risks and navigate complex issues in a reactive manner. This foundation was essential in understanding the importance of risk management, but the shift to an in-house role introduced a more proactive and strategic approach to legal work.

As an in-house lawyer, I became involved not only in managing legal risks, but also in aligning legal advice with business objectives. A particularly enriching experience was advising the parent company of a multinational group. This role expanded my scope of work significantly, as I was responsible for overseeing legal matters not just for the parent company but for subsidiaries across multiple jurisdictions. This required a detailed understanding of the different regulatory landscapes and legal frameworks in various countries.

Another major highlight in my career was my involvement in M&A transactions, particularly the acquisition of multiple companies, which led to the establishment of a new group structure. One of the key challenges of this role was managing the legal intricacies of integrating diverse business cultures and structures, ensuring a smooth transition for both the parent company and the acquired entities.

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

Modern in-house counsel must combine traditional legal expertise with a broad, strategic skill set to navigate today’s complex business environment. Staying current with evolving regulations, particularly in data privacy, cybersecurity, and corporate governance, is essential to ensure compliance across jurisdictions. They must also understand geopolitical developments, including trade tariffs, sanctions, and supply chain disruptions, and advise on mitigating associated risks.

As AI and emerging technologies reshape industries, counsel should grasp their legal implications and proactively manage related risks. Strong soft skills and emotional intelligence enable effective communication, collaboration, and relationship management, simplifying complex legal concepts for non-legal stakeholders. Strategic thinking and business acumen allow counsel to align legal advice with corporate goals, anticipate risks, and support long-term success. Finally, promoting diversity and inclusivity is vital, both to ensure compliance with equality laws and to foster an inclusive company culture.