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

A modern in-house counsel must go beyond technical legal expertise to develop a deep understanding of the business and its operating environment. The role requires the ability to deliver practical, commercially sound advice, exercise sound judgement, and communicate complex legal issues clearly to non-legal stakeholders. Effective in-house counsel anticipate risk, support informed decision-making and act as trusted advisers who enable the organisation to achieve its objectives while managing legal and reputational exposure.

In my role as Head of Legal and Board Secretary at Media General, these responsibilities are particularly pronounced within a dynamic and fast-evolving media landscape. I work closely with executive management and the Board to support effective corporate governance, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide clear, balanced guidance on legal and strategic matters. Maintaining independence of judgement, fostering strong working relationships across the organisation and remaining agile in an evolving regulatory and media environment are central to how my team and I add value and support Media General’s long-term objectives.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

As Head of Legal and Board Secretary at Media General, my team and I adopt a proactive and strategic approach to managing legal matters during periods of instability or crisis. We conduct thorough assessments of legal, regulatory and reputational risks, working closely with executive leadership to understand operational pressures and align our advice with the organisation’s strategic priorities. Our focus is on practical, solution-oriented interventions, including the renegotiation of contractual obligations, the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and the strengthening of internal control frameworks to ensure business continuity. Through this approach, the legal function positions itself as a trusted business partner, anticipating potential legal challenges, enabling informed and decisive action within clearly defined risk parameters, and safeguarding Media General’s long-term objectives and governance standards.

Considering recent developments, including the government’s plans for a 24-hour economy, sustainability initiatives and increasing digitalisation, there are several key trends that in-house lawyers should be mindful of.

In-house counsel must remain alert to evolving labour laws, industry-specific regulations and government-led policy initiatives, such as the proposed 24-hour economy, all of which require careful oversight to ensure compliance while sustaining operational resilience. At the same time, accelerating digitalisation has heightened legal and regulatory considerations around data protection, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and compliance with emerging digital frameworks.

Sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are also becoming increasingly central to corporate strategy. Legal teams are therefore expected to guide the integration of ESG principles into business operations, contractual arrangements, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory reporting.

These developments are particularly relevant to Media General, which operates television and radio platforms on a 24-hour basis alongside a growing digital business. The government’s broader 24-hour economy agenda and ongoing digital transformation directly influence how we manage operations, compliance and content delivery across both traditional and digital channels. This reinforces the critical role of the legal department in shaping strategic decision-making, managing risk and supporting the company’s long-term growth, resilience and regulatory credibility.