What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

The past twelve months have been a particularly challenging period for Link Group’s legal team with a number of public takeover offers, the demerger by way of distribution to existing Link Group shareholders of Link Group’s $550m interest in PEXA Group Limited, the management of an investigation into a wholly owned subsidiary of Link Group by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, and the signing of a Scheme of Arrangement for the acquisition of all of the shares of Link Administration Holdings Limited, the progression of that Scheme, and the ultimate termination nine months after execution.

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

Artificial intelligence presents an exciting opportunity for the profession. AI will, in due course, be able to perform a large part of the lawyer’s existing day-to-day work, freeing up legal teams to work more strategically and empathetically on problems that do not necessarily have a logical answer.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

Successful lawyers need resilience and empathy in equal measure for success. In a fast-changing world with increasing expectations of the profession, resilience, and the ability to adapt are essential. Equally, connection with clients, colleagues, the bench, and bar is imperative and the ability to listen and empathise is what separates the good from the great.