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

A modern in-house business lawyer (especially in the investment industry) should be a strategic business partner who helps to drive growth while taking into account sound risk management. Important attributes include outstanding legal knowledge (including common sense understanding of other jurisdictions/other legal systems), business acumen, political awareness, pragmatism, result orientation, proper corporate finance understanding and sound risk management.

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?

I am keeping a close eye on the overall geopolitical situation currently ongoing and the (potentially severe) instability it creates or might create for our businesses, as well as the different legislative initiatives from various (national and international) regulators resulting thereof. Legal departments are not only expected to ensure compliance in a fast-evolving regulatory environment (e.g. sanctions, export controls, tariffs, etc.), but also to anticipate new regulations and react fast.

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

I am passionate about the private equity industry, not just as a source of capital, but also as a catalyst for transformation of businesses, including building stronger organisations, professionalising operations, and enabling sustainable growth. An important part of this journey also lies in the “legal field”, including ensuring robust corporate governance, balanced stakeholder management, and sound legal structures.