Team size: 60

What is the most overlooked skill or mindset that today’s in-house lawyers need to succeed at the highest level?

Often job descriptions for in-house lawyers will require lawyers to be “commercially sound” and with “in-house experience”. I am believer that a strong technical legal foundation is one of the most fundamental requirements for a successful in-house lawyer. In-house teams are often smaller and without the same depth in support as compared to a law-firm. In-house teams also do not have trainees and junior lawyers to support them with research and other background work. But in-house lawyers are the back-stop gatekeeper for many organisations. A very solid technical legal foundation is fundamental in ensuring accurate legal advice is provided to the business when assessing what risks a business may be prepared to take.

What is one leadership principle or practice that has had the greatest impact on your career as a GC?

The ability to listen to your colleagues and provide an environment where your colleagues can freely voice their opinions is fundamental to a good leader. Surrounding yourself with “yes-men” is very dangerous, particularly in a role as a GC.