Team size: 25

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

An in-house counsel must possess a broad understanding of corporate commercial law, corporate governance requirements, AML and compliance requirements, regulatory requirements, intellectual property, employment law, dispute resolution mechanisms, taxation, data protection, any particular legal nuances related to the industry in which they are employed and reporting obligations coupled with good communication skills (particularly strong drafting skills).

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, collaborative abilities and resilience are also key attributes which are necessary for an in-house counsel to be effective in their role in working jointly with various business teams and senior leadership.

Commercial acumen is a key factor which will enable an in-house counsel to work alongside business teams and understand commercial priorities. Which is essential to steer alignment of commercial goals with legal requirements.

An in-house counsel must have a proactive stance to ensure that the business remains compliant with legal requirements in the face of rapidly evolving laws and regulations and take steps to prepare internal teams to satisfy compliance deadlines.

Knowledge of AI and technology platforms and project management skills are vital to ensure delivery of legal advice in a cost efficient and timely manner. The ability to manage budgets and reduce costs to the business is crucial to ensure that the legal team makes a positive contribution to a company’s bottom line.

Finally, the ability and mindset to do as much as possible in-house with available resources bearing in mind that only internal teams have a full understanding of the company’s goals to ensure that the company operates a lean legal team which is making a positive contribution to enable corporate strategy.

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?

Over the past year, several key trends have emerged that I believe in-house lawyers should pay close attention to, as they are fundamentally reshaping how legal functions operate and deliver value.

One of the most significant is the increasing use of artificial intelligence to enhance legal research, contract review, and document analysis. AI tools are enabling legal teams to deliver advice and draft documentation with greater speed and accuracy, freeing up time to focus on more strategic and high-impact work.

Another critical trend is the integration of commercial acumen into legal practice. Modern in-house counsel must understand not only the law but also the commercial realities that drive business decisions. The ability to translate legal requirements into practical, business-oriented advice is becoming a key differentiator for successful legal teams.

There is also a growing emphasis on efficiency and cost-effective service delivery. Legal departments are expected to do more with less, which requires streamlining workflows, leveraging technology, and redefining processes to ensure optimal value for the organisation.

Related to this is the focus on maximising internal resources and institutionalising knowledge. By developing robust internal systems, process maps, and knowledge-sharing frameworks, legal and compliance teams can ensure continuity, scalability, and continuous improvement in how they operate.

Finally, cybersecurity, data protection, and ESG compliance remain at the forefront of the in-house legal agenda. As these areas evolve rapidly, legal departments must take an active role in safeguarding organisational integrity, maintaining stakeholder trust, and ensuring alignment with global best practices.

Together, these trends underscore the transformation of the in-house legal function—from a reactive service provider to a proactive, technology-enabled strategic partner within the business.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I am passionate about learning and development for teams to continuously improve their skills with the aim of delivering better value to the business and sharpening individual skill to maximise impact. I am also interested in entrepreneurship and related values, culture, skills and attitudes required to be successful in launching early-stage businesses.

I also believe in offering opportunities to groups that are underrepresented or disadvantaged and firmly believe in enabling women to stay in the work force whilst juggling caregiving responsibilities and career goals.