Team size: Four

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

In view of technological advancement, the stakeholders expect real-time delivery and response with an expectation to adhere to the strict turn-around time while following rigid legal guidelines. The legal team will have to challenge the output response of AI technology in any possible situation the business uses. Furthermore, the team will have to upgrade the skill set of the team members considering the emerging technology with global exposure.

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

One of the primary responsibilities of the in-house legal team is to deliver business-oriented solutions with commercial acumen without compromising on legal risk by ensuring all facts are adequately documented, and almost all legal issues can be resolved most cost-effectively. The legal function is expected to be consistent and impartial in approach while taking decisions and responsible for adhering to the legal and regulatory requirements, industry standards and community expectations. Due compliance helps to build, sustain, and grow the business faster.

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

A legal counsel must have dynamic leadership quality to provide a solution to the continuously changing retail industry. Multifold legal experience is a new quality demanded by MNCs, considering their presence in multiple countries with diversified businesses. The primary quality legal team must carry 3Cs — complexities, competition and customer. Legal teams are equal contributors to the top and bottom-line results.

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

In the present era, law firms are expected to be a one-stop solution. Law firms must know local, cross-border and international laws, including a presence in multiple territories. The law firm’s focus should be more on business partnering rather than consultancy service. The law firm must be knowledgeable about different competitions and industries, expecting to keep the in-house team updated on such changes with deep analysis, impact and understanding.