Team size: 50

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

Regardless of the duration of a period of instability or the scale of a crisis, the approach to addressing legal issues should always align with your company’s core principles and long-term objectives.

While there is flexibility to adapt within this framework to achieve short-term tasks and meet predefined goals, legal strategies must remain consistent with these guiding principles. It is critical to avoid abandoning these foundational structures for short-term gains, as doing so overlooks the broader, more complex system in which the legal department operates. Each component of the organisation works interdependently, like gears in a machine, all contributing to a shared, overarching goal.

In-house attorneys offer legal guidance from a unique perspective, distinct from external counsel. With an in-depth understanding of the company’s inner workings, we are well-positioned to align our services with the broader interests of our leadership.

This alignment is achieved through robust leadership dynamics, team-building efforts, open and consistent communication with other departments and within our team, long-term planning, accountability, dedication, and the strategic use of technology.

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?

We have established a comprehensive system to address these issues, including the formation of an Ethics Committee (of which I am a member) and the appointment of a Compliance Officer (under my supervision). Additionally, we have developed behavioral guidelines accessible to all employees, implemented training programs, and created a confidential hotline for anonymous reporting of unethical practices. Reports are thoroughly reviewed by HR and the Compliance Officer under strict confidentiality protocols.