How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

In times of instability, the legal function must act as a stabilising force. My approach focuses on proactive risk identification, scenario planning and close coordination with executive management. Clear escalation processes, decision-relevant legal advice and transparent communication are critical. Legal resilience is achieved by balancing legal certainty with operational flexibility, allowing the organisation to respond quickly without compromising compliance or governance standards.

What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department?

Digital transformation is approached as a strategic programme rather than a technical upgrade. We have implemented contract lifecycle management and AI-supported legal research tools, while strictly adhering to data-protection-by-design principles. Compliance with GDPR and local data-protection laws is ensured through thorough vendor due diligence, data minimisation and close cooperation with IT and data protection officers. Technology is used to enhance efficiency and quality, not to replace legal judgement.

Looking forward, what trends do you foresee in the legal landscape over the next 5–10 years that companies should prepare for?

Key trends include the convergence of compliance, ESG and corporate governance, the increasing personal accountability of executives, and the practical adoption of AI within legal functions. In-house lawyers must be prepared to act as strategic advisers, not merely technical experts.

General counsel play a central role in translating ESG principles into concrete policies, processes and accountability structures. This includes clear tone-from-the-top messaging, consistent enforcement, targeted training and embedding ESG considerations into commercial decision-making. Credibility is essential, standards must be applied consistently across all levels of the organisation.

AI has already had a meaningful impact, particularly in contract analysis, document review and knowledge management. When used responsibly and with appropriate oversight, AI allows legal teams to focus more on strategic and high-value work while improving consistency and speed.

Over the next decade, legal departments will operate in an environment of increased regulatory scrutiny, data sovereignty, ESG accountability and AI-driven transformation. Companies should prepare for a legal function that is deeply integrated into business strategy and expected to act as a guardian of corporate integrity as well as a strategic partner.