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

I think that modern in-house counsel should be able to combine legal expertise with strategic thinking, technological proficiency, and strong interpersonal skills to deliver cost-effective, high-quality support aligned with business goals. This requires aligning legal strategies with broader organisational objectives, leveraging technology like AI and automated workflows to optimise resources, and maintaining deep expertise in risk management and compliance to handle complex or high-risk matters effectively. Adaptability is certainly also key in navigating evolving laws and market conditions, while strong communication ensures legal advice is actionable and integrated into business decisions. Finally, I believe that effective leadership and team building foster internal expertise, reduce reliance on external counsel, and create a high-performing, agile legal function.

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?

The increasing complexity of geopolitical risks, such as sanctions and tariffs, demands proactive legal risk assessments and real-time monitoring systems to safeguard operations and finances. Simultaneously, the rise of technological innovations, particularly generative AI, is reshaping legal operations by automating tasks, enhancing efficiency, and enabling better risk management. Cyber security should remain a priority for any legal function, as well as globalisation and cross-border legal challenges, especially in areas like M&A, employment legal and regulatory compliance, which are driving the need for expertise in navigating diverse legal systems. Finally, I believe that the focus on talent attraction and retention, coupled with evolving career expectations, underscores the importance of creating adaptive, interdisciplinary teams.