Team size: 2

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

Coming from a transactional background, I would like to say that 2026 will see increased deal volume, but the world seems to be moving to more uncertainty, and not less. Compliance and ESG will certainly be two areas to watch in Europe, especially whether the rollbacks in the US will also impact the on-going work in Europe. The general concern of a market down-turn lingers, which could lead to all those unfortunate matters that an in-house counsel faces when in a bear market, including increased litigation and bankruptcies.

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

Modern in-house counsel needs to be team member that adds value but also is willing to speak hard truths. In-house counsel can add value by providing a legal perspective to business issues, particularly when brought in at an early strategic stage. At later stages, problem resolution is likely to be the value-added component. If a question arises without an easy or obvious answer, it is likely to end up wholly or partially on in-house counsel’s desk for resolution.

Of course, several other attributes are important, but they should be part of the toolbox of any good lawyer: the ability to think like a lawyer, the ability to articulate arguments for and against particular positions, good drafting and communication skills, and ability to plan and project manage longer-term matters.