About

What are the most important transactions and litigations that you have been involved in during the last two years?

I would highlight three projects in the past two years, including an equity investment in our Group by two major investment players, framing and implementing a GDPR programme in the Group and obtaining an accounts receivable based facility from a top banking group. Touching wood, I
have no litigations to speak of for the past two years.

What changes have you made to the workings of the legal department during your time in your current role? How has that affected the wider company?

After more than 10 years in the legal consultancy business, I have taken two large challenges: to move to the in-house role and to create a legal department from scratch. When I joined my current employer over five years ago, it was a rapidly growing US$100m business with a “start-up soul”. That means I had a lot on my plate then and have not run back to private practice.

I have gone from creating and enhancing terms and conditions of various business offers, to hiring and modifying a shared legal service team, to setting up group corporate governance, to managing difficult customer and employment situations and many more things.

How important have “soft skills” or personal attributes outside of technical legal skill been to the team’s success, and which “soft skills” do you feel are most important for an in-house lawyer to possess?

Personal attributes and character are important for this role. Lawyers from private practice have a common DNA, which becomes visible when they switch to an in-house role. In my team, three things are treated seriously: defend your own position, respect the other’s position, and focus on a win-win result.

What are the unique aspects of working as an in-house lawyer in Ukraine?

Being ready to make decisions in changing circumstances and unknown conditions is one I would mention. I am sure our British colleagues who had to advise clients on the implications of Brexit will understand me.

If you had to give advice to an aspiring in-house lawyer or GC what would it be and why?

Never give up and be passionate about your job.