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

Above all, modern in-house counsel must understand the business they represent. Technical legal expertise is essential, but it is most effective when combined with commercial awareness and active listening. Counsel must understand the challenges faced by stakeholders and help create opportunities rather than simply identify problems.

Equally important are humility and reasonableness. Many negotiations reach unnecessary stalemates because parties fail to understand each other’s concerns. Taking the time to listen and appreciate different perspectives often leads to solutions that satisfy all parties while advancing business objectives.

What do you think is the greatest innovation you have enacted in the past year?

One of the most impactful innovations has been the implementation of AI-driven tools for policy consultation and knowledge management. As a global organisation, KPMG operates within an extensive framework of policies, standards and guidance that can be challenging to navigate.

While I cannot take full credit for this initiative, as it originated from a regional initiative promoted by several General Counsel across the region, we have adopted AI agents that significantly improve access to institutional knowledge and facilitate information sharing across the organisation.

Questions that previously required extensive research can now be addressed within minutes, allowing our professionals to devote more time to strategic analysis and higher-value work while promoting greater consistency and efficiency.