Team size: 8

What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past twelve months?

I am leading a team engaged in legal & compliance support but also managing insurance and contract management area. As for the key projects I was involved over past twelve months, these include: M&A, including due diligence procedure of the targeted company, drafting, negotiating and executing key contracts, representation in arbitration and mediation procedures, concluding favourable settlements, advisory and representing the Employer in front of Public Procurement Authorities, drafting contract management strategy for the perspective 2026-2029, and the implementation of the compliance training programme.

What are the key trends that in-house counsel should be monitoring in 2026?

In-house counsel must monitor several critical trends in 2026. First, AI-driven legal tools and automation will reshape contract management and compliance, requiring lawyers to understand technology and data governance. Second, ESG regulations and sustainability reporting will intensify, making environmental and social compliance a priority. Third, cybersecurity and data privacy remain crucial as global standards evolve and enforcement tightens. Fourth, cross-border regulatory harmonisation will impact multinational operations, demanding agility in adapting to diverse jurisdictions. Finally, ethical governance and whistleblower protections will gain prominence, reinforcing corporate integrity. Staying proactive in these areas ensures strategic value and risk mitigation.

AI is increasingly being integrated into legal teams to maximise efficiency. How can in-house counsel ensure the successful incorporation of these tools without compromising the human element?

To successfully integrate AI tools without losing the human element, in-house counsel should adopt a hybrid approach. AI can streamline tasks like contract review, compliance monitoring, and risk analysis, but human oversight remains essential for nuanced judgment and ethical decision-making. Counsel should establish clear governance frameworks, ensuring transparency and accountability in AI use. Training legal teams to interpret AI outputs critically fosters informed decision-making. Additionally, prioritising collaboration and empathy in client interactions preserves the human touch. Ultimately, AI should augment — not replace — legal expertise, enabling counsel to focus on strategic, relationship-driven aspects of their role.

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

General counsel can embed ESG principles by acting as a strategic advisor and cultural champion. First, integrate ESG into corporate governance frameworks and ensure board-level commitment. Develop clear policies and training programs that link ESG compliance to business objectives. Encourage cross-functional collaboration between legal, sustainability, and operational teams to align practices. Implement transparent reporting and whistleblower mechanisms to reinforce accountability. Promote ethical decision-making and reward ESG-driven behaviors across all levels. By combining strong leadership, education, and measurable goals, general counsel can transform ESG from a compliance obligation into a core organisational value.