What do you consider the biggest challenge for in-house legal teams today, and how are you addressing it within your own team?

The biggest challenge for in-house legal teams today in corporate governance is managing the complexity of corporate structures and ensuring they stay efficient and aligned with the business’s goals. As companies grow and change, it is crucial to streamline governance processes while being flexible enough to support new business strategies. Legal teams also need to be ready to help make quick decisions without sacrificing thorough legal analysis.

To tackle this, we focus on creating clear, efficient governance processes that allow us to respond quickly to both routine matters and more complex situations. By working directly with senior executives and key stakeholders, I ensure that our legal framework supports the company’s objectives while staying flexible. I also prioritise proactive planning, identifying potential risks early and preparing solutions so we can manage change and growth smoothly.

How do you build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, especially in high-pressure or fast-moving scenarios?

My approach to building strong relationships with internal stakeholders is grounded in trust, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of their needs. I make a concerted effort to be approachable and communicate consistently in clear terms that align with both legal and business objectives.

In fast-moving scenarios, I strive to be a reliable partner, offering solutions that are not only legally sound but also pragmatically aligned with business priorities. By providing clear, concise, and timely advice, stakeholders feel supported and confident in legal’s guidance. I believe in staying attuned to the evolving pressures each department faces, which allows me to approach collaboration with anticipation, ensuring that I offer proactive solutions rather than reactive fixes.

How do you cultivate legal talent internally, and what skills do you see as most essential for the next generation of in-house lawyers?

Cultivating legal talent internally goes beyond developing technical expertise, it is about fostering a set of skills that enable lawyers to navigate both complex legal landscapes and the business world. As AI continues to reshape the legal field, it is essential for in-house lawyers to cultivate a unique blend of hard and soft skills that set them apart in a digital environment.

I focus on fostering key skills such as effective communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence within my team. While AI can handle routine tasks and analyze data, it cannot replicate the human judgment, empathy, and creativity required to provide legal advice in fast-paced, high-pressure business environments. These soft skills are essential for in-house lawyers to build trust with internal stakeholders, translate complex legal concepts into actionable business solutions, and anticipate the emotional and organisational impact of legal decisions.