Team size: 35

What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

We managed and were responsible for all legal topics around the Back Stop Facility Axpo received September 2022 from the federal government, worth CHF4bn. It was a unique experience with a huge workload in a very short time, successfully handled only through great teamwork between internal and external colleagues.

We also managed and were responsible for the legal aspects of the Geschäftsführungsprüfung – Audit of the Management – based on Article 731a Abs. 3 OR. Axpo had to pass based on a mandate of its shareholders. The audit was completed successfully by end of March 2023.

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

Before they start working, all lawyers on my team invest some time on a project focusing on business needs, with emphasis on simplicity whenever possible, and taking the lead regarding legal matters in order to save time and money.

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

Apart from hiring the best talented lawyers, thorough understanding of the business in which you operate is absolutely the key success factor for an efficient and risk-based in-house legal service.