Team size: 12
Major legal advisers: Bonelli Erede
 

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?  

Non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements are routinely requested whenever proprietary or confidential information is shared between customers, suppliers, partners, or any other company advisors. This means that the legal department is asked to review NDAs drafts on a recurring basis, creating a significant workload, and often under urgent circumstances. With our digital department, we have uploaded the internal review checklist for NDAs to an artificial intelligence tool. This allows other departments to become autonomous in the review of NDAs and only sporadically involve the legal department if the AI identifies a red flag within the review matrix. This bespoke AI tool makes the review more effective and drastically increases the turnaround time, allowing colleagues can mostly work autonomously.
 

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?  

Technology, together with ESG issues, is likely to have the most significant impact on general counsel and their approach to work. Firstly, as AI technology advances, general counsel may increasingly rely on AI-powered tools for legal research, contract analysis and risk assessment. Automation could streamline repetitive tasks, thus allowing legal professionals to focus on higher-value activities, such as strategic legal advice and decision-making. 

Secondly, environmental and social issues, along with corporate governance, have become a major concern for companies and investors. General counsel will need to play a more significant role in addressing ESG-related legal issues, such as sustainability initiatives, compliance with environmental regulations, social responsibility policies and various corporate governance practices.  

Finally, as the volume of data continues to grow and cyber threats increase, general counsel is likely to see an increased focus on cybersecurity. They will need to keep up with evolving regulations and best practices to ensure that their firms comply with data protection laws and safeguard sensitive information.
 

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, you are passionate about, and why?  

I am passionate about the preservation of certain fundamental pillars of contemporary society. The rule of law, personal rights and freedoms, and the superiority of the scientific method. Preserving and not taking these concepts for granted is vital for the well-being and progress of individuals and societies.  

The rule of law ensures that all individuals, regardless of their social status or influence, are subject to a clear, just and uniformly applied set of laws. It promotes a fair and stable society in which people can trust the legal system and seek redress for injustices. 

The protection of personal rights and freedoms is crucial to protecting human dignity, autonomy, and self-expression. Respect for individual rights fosters a society in which different perspectives can coexist peacefully, enabling greater progress and innovation.  

The emphasis on the scientific method, which is based on empirical evidence, critical thinking, and peer review, is essential for making informed decisions and advancing knowledge. It underpins advances in medicine, technology and other areas that are fundamental to our well-being and development.  

Preserving these principles requires constant vigilance and active participation by individuals and institutions. In doing so, we strengthen the foundations of our contemporary society, ensuring a just, free, and progressive world for future generations.