Team size: Eleven

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

Working in-house in the Australian media sector, the key challenges we faced in 2022 related to the constant evolution in regulation across varied areas of applicable practice, including defamation, privacy, data management, advertising regulation, proposed subscription video local production requirements and the pressing need for smart TV prominence protections for free-to-air television services. In the post shutdown environment, re-calibration of home and office work arrangements to optimise teamwork, information sharing, collaboration, professional development and mentoring remains a work in progress.

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

Automated document production and AI document review processes.

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

In addition to strong communication and literacy skills, the ability to strike the appropriate balance between professional independence and commercial application. Interpersonal empathy and business understanding are also critical qualities for in-house success.