Team size: 12

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

One distinctive aspect of my career is the journey from a niche specialist to a broad, business-focused in-house leader. Early on, I developed strong, practical expertise in public tender procedures for laboratory diagnostics — an area requiring precision, analytical ability and an understanding of medical technical details rarely encountered by lawyers. My success in several competitive tenders, including those against Diagnostyka, made me well recognised in the sector.

Ironically, this visibility placed me on Diagnostyka’s radar. After the company acquired the competitor I worked for, I supported them as an external adviser on an M&A project, demonstrating that — despite my specialised reputation — I already operated as a true generalist capable of managing corporate, regulatory, and transactional challenges beyond tender work. This ultimately led to my appointment as head of legal.

What makes this experience unique is the combination of excellence in a narrow niche with an early ability to understand and navigate broader business realities, shaping my long-term professional trajectory.

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

Modern in-house counsel must balance what is timeless with what is evolving. The core attributes remain unchanged: a deep understanding of the business and how the organisation truly operates; the ability to assess risk and translate legal issues into clear, actionable choices; independence and the courage to speak up when ideas go too far; proactivity and self-direction; and the skill to tailor communication to different stakeholders and contexts.

What evolves are the tools and forms through which we work. New technologies matter, but judgement and clarity matter more. Communication must become simpler and more accessible. Models of work — hybrid, remote, flexible — require new approaches to collaboration and leadership. Growing regulatory complexity also demands stronger knowledge sharing within teams and a blend of specialisation with broad situational awareness.

Ultimately, while tools and formats change, the essence of the in-house role remains constant: understanding context, exercising courage, and being a genuine partner to the business.