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

The main challenges I have been involved in over the past twelve months were regulatory changes in the area of energy and derivative trading. Those changes triggered necessary adjustments in various regulations and implementations. I have been also involved in various business development activities, which in highly regulated environment require significant legal support.

What are the key trends that in-house counsel should be monitoring in 2026?

The key legal trends in regulated industries include more and more complex regulation and an increasing amount of regulation that needs to be assessed and followed. It is a challenge to spot all new applicable regulations and find business-oriented way to follow them.

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

The role of in-house legal counsel changes rapidly. I think the key is now to be able to combine technical ability and knowledge of law with legal risk assessment. Good in-house lawyers should be able to advise on particular matters and draft related documents. However, the modern landscape is not black and white, so good legal counsel should be able to navigate through those regulations, providing strategic advice to executives and becoming their trusted adviser – exceeding purely legal role.

AI is increasingly being integrated into legal teams to maximise efficiency. How can in-house counsel ensure the successful incorporation of these tools without compromising the human element?

I think the key is direct contact. Whereas AI can make things a lot easier (or even make things instead of humans) one should always pass deliverables in person.