Team size: 17

What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

Given the significant volume of recent EU legislation, I have been actively involved in the implementation of several key regulatory frameworks, including the NIS2 Directive, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). These projects have required close cross-functional collaboration to ensure timely and compliant integration into our business operations.

What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with your country’s data protection laws?

We maintain a close partnership with our internal IT department and rely on a combination of in-house legal expertise and external specialists in IT and data protection law. This integrated approach ensures that digital transformation initiatives align with both technological capabilities and legal compliance requirements.

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

My work in competition and antitrust law has been particularly noteworthy, largely due to the unique market position of SPAR Austria. Navigating complex regulatory landscapes and engaging with authorities in this context has offered distinctive challenges and insights.

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

A modern in-house counsel must deliver strong service performance, demonstrate sound risk awareness, and possess the ability to identify the core legal issue within complex scenarios. Equally important are solution-oriented thinking and strong communication skills to engage effectively across all levels of the organisation.

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

By promoting continuous dialogue and collaboration across departments – through clear communication, internal guidelines, training sessions, and tools like online assessments – general counsel can embed ESG principles into the company culture and ensure that compliance becomes a shared responsibility.

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on, of which you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful?

One key trend is the increasing use of AI tools to support legal operations, particularly in areas such as contract lifecycle management and document analysis. While adoption is still in progress, the potential for efficiency and accuracy gains is significant and worth monitoring closely.