Based on your experience, what is the key to collaborating successfully with business partners?

Finding the right balance in the dual role that Legal plays as a business enabler and a guardian of the organisation, in my view, is an imperative for successful collaboration in the ambiguous and complex world that we operate in. Understanding the business strategy and the market dynamics; having the ability to identify risks and suggest solutions to mitigate them; and then to be able to articulate them effectively with the business teams go a long way in helping in house teams be perceived as trusted advisors for the businesses.

Which political, economic or regulatory changes have impacted your work the most in the past year?

The geopolitical situations across the world have created some unique challenges for everyone and businesses are no different. Business models and supply chains have been impacted and the organisations are working to ensure business continuity while factoring in these new developments within the constantly evolving legal and the regulatory frameworks. Closer home, the laws and regulations in India continue to evolve at a fast pace making it critical for organisations to keep their ears to be the ground and be prepared to ensure that they stay compliant. ESG, data protection, corporate and criminal laws have seen significant changes, making it important for us to understand the nuances and implement processes to ensure that organisations stay compliant and are prepared to operate within the paradigm of these evolving laws.

India is an economy that is rapidly growing and expected to be one of the powerhouses of the 21st Century. How do you see the role of GCs there changing in this environment?

As the legal and regulatory environment becomes more connected, complex, stringent and ambiguous, organisations need pragmatic advice on how to grow, operate and stay compliant within the framework of laws and regulations, ethics as well as internal policies. The disruptive technology that is encompassing the world adds a further layer of intricacy. Over the past decade or so, the role of the GC is becoming less defined to being ‘strictly’ that of a lawyer. They are being viewed as strategic and trusted advisors who have the innate ability to decipher the complexities, identify risks and offer solutions to help the organisation navigate the intersection of the legal, regulatory and commercial transactions. In my view, the complexity of this role will only continue to grow as businesses need partners who can help them operate within the guardrails of law and acceptable risk while protecting the interests of the organisation.