Head of legal (Greece, Malta, Cyprus and Israel) | British American Tobacco Hellas SA
Vasileios Paizis
Head of legal (Greece, Malta, Cyprus and Israel) | British American Tobacco Hellas SA
Team size: 2
What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?
In the field of Competition Law awareness and preparation for a real inspection of the Hellenic Competition Committee, we proceeded with a mock dawn raid exercise in cooperation with our external legal counsels. The Legal Team has implemented a tool for the legal approvals which are provided to the business including main legal risk but also mitigation actions. I was also involved in the restructuring of the R2M in order to optimise sales.
What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?
One of the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel is commercial thinking. Modern in-house counsel are not just legal technicians who apply the law in a vacuum. We are strategic advisors who understand the business deeply and help navigate complex environments by recognising risks early and advising accordingly.
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?
One of the most significant shifts in the business landscape — with direct implications for the legal field — is the rapid integration of AI tools into everyday operations. These technologies are becoming part of the new reality, transforming how companies work, make decisions, and interact with data.
For in-house lawyers, this evolution presents both opportunities and risks. While AI can enhance efficiency and support decision-making, we must remain vigilant. In the legal domain, accuracy, context, and nuance are critical — and AI-generated information or advice may lack the reliability and precision required for sound legal judgment.