How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

My approach is based on risk prioritisation, business continuity and efficient resource allocation. During periods of instability or crisis, a priority is to conduct a rapid assessment of the legal, regulatory, contractual, and reputational risks facing the organisation. Priorities are then established according to the severity and likelihood of those risks, ensuring that legal efforts are focused on the areas that could have the greatest impact on the business.

At the same time, it is essential to ensure that legal support remains closely aligned with business needs by implementing clear governance and regular communication with key stakeholders. This helps the organisation respond quickly while maintaining compliance and protecting its strategic interests.

Another critical aspect is the management and organisation of legal resources. In times of uncertainty, it is important to review which activities should remain in-house because they are strategic, sensitive or require deep knowledge of the business, and which activities can or should be outsourced to external counsel or specialised providers. This enables the legal function to remain agile, optimise costs, and focus internal expertise on high-value matters while ensuring that operational legal needs continue to be addressed effectively.

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

I believe that the most important attribute for a modern in-house counsel is the ability to develop a 360-degree understanding of the business, combining legal expertise with a deep appreciation of the company’s strategy, operations, objectives and risk profile. Today’s in-house lawyer must be able to see beyond the legal issue itself and understand how legal decisions impact the wider organisation.

Equally important is the ability to act as a business partner and enabler, rather than simply identifying problems or obstacles. While managing legal and compliance risks remains fundamental, an effective in-house counsel should help the business find practical, compliant, and commercially viable solutions. The objective is not only to highlight risks, but also to support decision-making and facilitate the achievement of business goals in a responsible way.