Team size: 12

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

I’d consider the key attributes as commercial awareness and strong communication skills.  Strong legal knowledge is a given, but it’s also crucial to understand the interests of the business at both a tactical and strategic level. All decisions need to be informed by the commercial balance of risk and opportunity, and the resulting positions communicated effectively with external clients, service providers, and within the legal team itself.

In terms of day-to-day behaviours, it’s important to be practical and focused on offering solutions. In-house counsel should strive to be a partner within the business rather than being seen as a blocker.

Looking forward, it is becoming ever more important to be able to adapt to – and take advantage of – developments in new and potentially disruptive technologies such as AI.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I’m passionate about supporting others develop and grow in their careers. There is a huge personal and professional satisfaction in helping someone step up and take responsibility, in watching someone stretch beyond their comfort zone and develop confidence in a new skill, and most of all in then seeing someone show that same interest and satisfaction in developing the next generation.

I try to create environments in which people feel encouraged to take ownership, to ask questions, and to try new things without fear of failure, to enable lessons to be learnt from both mistakes and successes.

I take huge pride in watching current and former colleagues thrive in their lives and careers.