Team size: 3

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

Among other things, I am currently involved in a merger project and am responsible for and involved in the integration in Austria and Switzerland. My role there is to prepare the legal documents and facilitate a smooth transition in the respective companies in each country. This project involves consulting internal stakeholders (various departments) and the impact of the merger on the respective department or company.

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

In-house counsel needs to understand the business, its strategy, operations, risks, and drivers. In-house counsel does not just give legal advice, but also helps to make business decisions. The in-house counsel needs to translate complex legal concepts into plain language for stakeholders, clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Building relationships and being seen as a trusted advisor is essential. As part of the executive team, the general counsel must anticipate risks, shape strategy, and contribute to long-term value creation. The in-house counsel role can be high-pressure, particularly in fast-paced or lean environments. The ability to deal with stress, ambiguity and workload is key.

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

The general counsel plays a critical leadership role in embedding ESG principles into the corporate fabric. By leveraging their unique position within the organisation, GCs can influence policy, culture, and strategy to ensure that ESG values are integrated and upheld across all levels of the business. To successfully implement ESG principles, general counsels must collaborate closely with various departments, including sustainability, HR, compliance, investor relations, operations, and procurement. General counsels should also ensure that ESG considerations are incorporated into contractual agreements, supplier standards, and due diligence processes to extend responsible practices throughout the value chain.

The general counsel should oversee the development of training programs that promote understanding of ESG issues, compliance obligations, and ethical behaviour. Encouraging a speak-up culture and protecting whistleblowers are also essential elements of fostering accountability and integrity. Finally, the general counsel must lead by example, demonstrating a personal commitment to ESG principles. By recognising and rewarding ESG-aligned behaviour, and by fostering a corporate culture rooted in transparency, respect, and accountability, the general counsel can drive lasting cultural change.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

As general counsel, a cause I’m particularly passionate about is corporate ethics and social responsibility, especially ensuring that companies not only comply with the law, but also operate with integrity, fairness, and a long-term view that considers their impact on employees, communities, and the environment. I believe that legal departments shouldn’t just be seen as risk mitigators, but as strategic partners who help shape an organisation’s culture and reputation. I’m especially driven by causes that involve (i) transparency and accountability in governance, (ii) equity and inclusion in the workplace and (ii) sustainable and ethical business practices.