What are the most significant cases, projects or transactions that you and/or your legal team have recently been involved in?

Over the past year, our legal team has been deeply involved in several high-impact projects that align with the strategic direction of our company and reflect the evolving legal and regulatory landscape.

In addition to supporting initiatives related to the expansion of Electrica Group’s renewable energy production line, our team played a pivotal role in two major projects that were essential for securing financing not only for electricity generation projects, but also for the Group’s other core business lines – namely, electricity supply and distribution. These projects were particularly complex due to both their nature and timing. One involved the syndication of credit facilities, while the other focused on the issuance of green bonds. The simultaneous execution of these two financing operations required careful coordination, legal precision, and the ability to manage overlapping timelines under significant pressure.

Our legal team in close collaboration with specialised external counsel, was responsible for structuring, negotiating, and reviewing the contractual frameworks, ensuring compliance with national and EU regulations, and aligning the legal strategy with the financial and operational goals of the Group. These efforts were instrumental in enabling the company to access sustainable financing mechanisms and reinforce its long-term investment strategy.

In parallel, we have also been managing a confidential litigation case involving intellectual property rights. Although the matter is still ongoing, our proactive approach – leveraging internal legal expertise in close collaboration with specialised external counsel – has helped mitigate reputational risks and ensure business continuity.

Collectively, these projects underscore our team’s commitment to delivering legal solutions that are not only technically robust but also strategically aligned with the broader objectives of the organisation. We continue to prioritise agility, cross-functional collaboration, and forward-thinking legal leadership in all aspects of our work.

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, we focus on clear communication, rapid legal risk assessment, and close coordination with business units. Our legal team ensures contracts and compliance frameworks are resilient, while maintaining agility in decision-making. We also engage proactively with external counsel and regulators to support continuity and protect the organisation’s reputation.

What factors influence your team’s decision to use external legal services versus handling matters in-house, and what criteria are used to evaluate their performance?   

Our decision to engage external legal services versus handling matters in-house is based on several key factors: the complexity of the issue, the need for specialised expertise, jurisdictional requirements, and resource availability within our team. For highly technical or cross-border matters, we typically rely on external counsel with proven experience in the relevant area.

When evaluating external legal partners, we consider their responsiveness, depth of expertise, cost-efficiency, and ability to align with our business objectives. We also assess the clarity of their advice, their understanding of our industry, and their capacity to collaborate effectively with our internal team. Performance is reviewed regularly to ensure continued value and strategic alignment.

Looking forward, what trends do you foresee in the legal landscape over the next 5–10 years that companies should prepare for? 

In the next 5–10 years, companies should prepare for increasing regulatory complexity, especially in areas like data protection, ESG, and AI. Legal departments will need to adapt to rapid technological changes, including automation and analytics, while managing new ethical and compliance challenges. Geopolitical uncertainty will require stronger legal risk frameworks, and legal teams will play a more strategic role in driving innovation and long-term value.