Team size: 15

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

When faced with a crisis or period of instability, my approach is to seek solutions that strike a balanced and neutral outcome. It is important to consider all relevant perspectives and aim for an outcome that meets legal requirements while also supporting the organisation’s broader goals. I focus on guiding the organisation toward a resolution that achieves both compliance and continuity, without compromising stakeholder trust or business integrity.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

Some of the most interesting experiences in my career have come from being a pioneer or project leader on several major initiatives. These have included projects such as corporate amalgamations, internal control system development, and business conversions. I take particular pride in having established the compliance function, which included the foundation of a corporate governance framework. Leading these initiatives allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s structure, risk management, and ethical culture.

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

In my view, the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel include strong problem-solving abilities, effective negotiation skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to think through the consequences of legal decisions. These qualities enable in-house counsel to provide not only sound legal advice but also strategic and commercially viable solutions that support the organisation’s long-term success.

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 that you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful of?

In the past year, I have been closely monitoring legal developments related to climate change, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and clean air regulations. These emerging areas of law are becoming increasingly important for businesses to address. The enactment of such regulations is expected to lead to a rise in the cost of goods sold, which may in turn result in higher product prices for consumers. In-house lawyers need to stay informed about these developments, as they will have a significant impact on compliance obligations, operational costs, and overall business strategy.