Team size: Eight

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

Having standard contract forms within the enterprise resource planning systems will positively impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future, as they will be able to save the time and resources, they spend in reviewing operational contracts. Moreover, in-house teams will also be able to consider important tasks like reviewing the company’s standard policies and regulations, to mitigate risks and afford more protections to their companies. This will help our company to avoid potential cases.

What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?

For me, something that is very important is knowing the basic technicalities and information of the main business of companies. This will help in-house counsels to understand the environment that they work within.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

In my opinion, to be a successful in-house lawyer in our industry, it is required great passion for knowledge, being a good listener, particularly towards your business partners, and being patient with everyone one around you, as legal knowledge and language is difficult to interpret for those who don’t have the educational background.

What can law firms do to improve their service to the legal department?

Currently, I would say that law firms should focus more in understanding the culture of the company they are working with, as being aligned with their clients’ values is essential for a good relationship and for positive results to be achieved.