Team size: 2

What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

The past year has been a busy one for Vuelta, not least for legal and business affairs. This has led to the addition of a second lawyer in Dublin.

A key focus for the Vuelta group over the past 12 months has been the continued growth of our European market presence, with a number of acquisitions undertaken. It is also an exciting period for the team as we are actively fundraising this year, with the focus on near-term opportunities and longer-term strategic growth.

In addition, Legal has been heavily involved in the integration of acquired businesses in the Vuelta group, ensuring close collaboration with leadership teams, fostering new relationships with our colleagues, and creating a shared group culture. The aim is to foster and drive greater commercial and operational synergies across the Vuelta group. Reviewing and putting in place new or revised group policies and procedures and more efficient processes to support the business.

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

The role of in-house counsel has changed considerably over the years and continues to do so. We have moved away from the pure legal role to become a more strategic partner to the business, encompassing strategic thinking/planning, risk, compliance, and people & diversity matters, among other topics.

A modern in-house counsel certainly needs to balance strong legal expertise with a broader set of business and interpersonal skills.

Lawyers have long been known for their communication skills, but this has come to the fore in recent years, with greater international work, cultural nuances, and remote working arrangements. Knowing when to escalate matters or more importantly, de-escalate matters is a real skill, and ‘reading the room’ should not be underestimated!

Given market changes, COVID, tech advances, and the ever-changing geo-political context, there will always be external factors that business leaders have to grapple with to various degrees.

Being agile and having the ability to anticipate risk and flex in the job is a huge benefit to any in-house counsel. Commercial advice aligned to the risk appetite of the business goes hand-in-hand with thinking outside the box and adapting to the situation at hand. There is always a need to think creatively and embrace new tech and AI capabilities to ensure efficiencies in the business so that you can add value where it really matters.

I am a strong advocate for good corporate culture and ensuring strong collaboration and I put time into building relationships in the business, prioritising face to face or travelling to a Vuelta company. In-house counsels are in an enviable position, getting to advise on many aspects of the business and differing legal matters and working with multiple business departments. Building trust with colleagues and proactively laying the foundations for good working relationships ensures Legal is seen as a proactive player in the group and a ‘go to’ trusted advisor when needed. This is particularly pertinent when there are urgent business stresses that colleagues are facing. Having the foundations of a collaborative environment in which we all work and understanding the needs of the business, ensures timely pertinent legal and business advice and better outcomes overall for the business.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

A corporate culture can be one of the most powerful drivers of long-term business success, and at its core, it is rooted in respect, inclusion, and diversity. A positive culture not only attracts and retains great talent but also encourages collaboration, agility, resilience, and innovation.

While typically fostered at the top of most organisations, it is now seen as everyone’s job in the organisation and one which everyone can, and should, add value to.

From my direct experience, it has always been on sensitive business matter, a work crisis, or during extremely busy periods where I have seen colleagues rally around each other and go that extra mile to move mountains. This should be harnessed by business leaders and fostered within organisations, ensuring colleagues belong, add value, and drive the business forward together.