Team size: 8

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

We advise the business on a wide variety of issues. In recent times, we have been involved in significant matters including the applicability of DORA, regulatory inspections, litigation and claims management and restructuring projects. In general terms, the team is responsible for advice on the following: contract negotiation; data Protection (advising the firm on various data protection issues); anti-money laundering (ensuring compliance with Anti-Money Laundering legislation in Ireland); employee relations (including management of employee related litigation); partnership matters (including partner admission and creation of new partnerships); real property (including negotiation of and advising on property transactions); procurement (supporting and advising at each stage of the process); marketing (provision of legal support to Marketing team); governance and structure (including provision of legal advice on all aspects of appliable law and firm and corporate governance, restructuring/re-organisation); and acquisition of new businesses.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of being treated as a trusted legal and business advisor. As a lawyer, often a unique perspective can be offered to the leadership/board room table. My ability to navigate and distil complex legal and regulatory landscapes and provide strategic advice has consistently helped EY to achieve its goals and overcome challenges.

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

The role of General Counsel is ever evolving and will continue to do so. Flexibility and a strong business focus are key skills that will endure even where business and law change. Modern in-house counsel need to be adaptable and proactive. New business priorities are sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and of course Artificial Intelligence (AI). These all present challenges to businesses and the skills that a General Counsel can bring in helping organisations to navigate that change will always be in demand. Their expertise in these areas not only drives innovation, but also fosters a culture of ethical responsibility.

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on, of which you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful?

In the past year, one of the most significant trends is the fast advancement of AI and its integration into the business world. Recognising that technology offers both disruption and potential is key. Keeping up with the pace of work and ever-increasing demands requires in-house lawyers to evolve with technology, which often isn’t as complicated as it seems. It is important to go with technological innovation rather than resist it. Additionally, there is value in leveraging younger lawyers’ thoughts and ideas, as innate familiarity with new technologies can provide valuable insights and drive innovation in legal departments.