United Kingdom 2016
Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel
For the 2016 edition of GC Powerlist we return to the original format of the report – launched in 2013 – focusing on senior general counsel (GCs). Over that time, the report has expanded hugely to become one of the most important strands of Legalease’s portfolio. Expanding the report also reflects the reality that in understanding GCs, you need to look at the specifics. While law firms operate on a few variants of the same model, in-house teams are defined much more by the industry and the individual company in which they work.
But there are broad trends as well. The upward march of the in-house profession that this report was originally launched to chronicle has, if anything, accelerated. While law firms are struggling for growth in many sectors, in-house teams continue to expand in the UK and take on greater swathes of work. It’s becoming increasingly mainstream to encounter teams with multimillion-pound budgets that put only a tiny minority of their work to law firms. Where they are instructing outside counsel, a good proportion of GCs now barely bother to conceal their tactic of pushing law firms down the value chain… and their teams correspondingly upwards.
RPC’s managing partner on how the modern GC made law a part of business (and vice versa).
It was late 2012 when RPC first became involved with Legal Business’ GC Powerlist. Back then, over four years after Lehman Brothers collapsed, the world economy was still looking parlous.
Another four years on and, although we’re now certainly on a firmer footing economically, there are still plenty of reasons to be fearful, or at least cautious, over what the future might hold for businesses: the slowdown in China; the collapse in the price of oil; stock market woes, here and in Asia; and uncertainty surrounding Britain’s possible exit from Europe, to name just a few.
Jonathan Watmough
Managing Partner
RPC
Legal 500 celebrated the launch of the GC Powerlist: Southeast Asia 2025 in Singapore, bringing together over 100 of the region’s leading general counsel for an evening of recognition, conversation, and connection.
Now in its latest edition, the GC Powerlist remains the world’s foremost publication recognising the achievements of in-house counsel. Following extensive research and nominations from law firms across the region, the 2025 edition highlights those shaping the future of the profession across Southeast Asia’s dynamic and rapidly evolving markets.
This year’s list reflects both continuity and change — celebrating many of the region’s most established general counsel alongside an exciting new generation of legal leaders from emerging economies. Together, they represent the innovation, resilience, and strategic vision that continue to define the in-house community across Southeast Asia.
The evening opened with remarks from Joe Boswell, Global Editor of Legal 500’s GC Powerlist series, and Partner-in-Charge of Jones Day’s Singapore office, Sushma Jobanputra, who welcomed guests and reflected on the publication’s mission to spotlight excellence within the corporate legal world. The event also featured a keynote address from Peangpanor Boonklum, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer of PTT, who shared her insights on leadership, collaboration, and purpose in an era of global change.
Guests then enjoyed a lively networking reception over drinks, providing an opportunity for honourees and peers to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate their shared achievements in a relaxed setting.
Legal 500 extends its sincere thanks to long-time partner Jones Day Singapore for their invaluable support in hosting the evening and their continued commitment to recognising and supporting the in-house legal community.
Congratulations once again to everyone featured in the GC Powerlist: Southeast Asia 2025. Your achievements continue to elevate the role of corporate counsel and embody the leadership that drives progress across the region’s legal and business landscape.
