How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

One of the greatest changes brought by the pandemic is remote working. The extent to which the changes have impacted the role of the in-house counsel depends on whether the business has opted for a remote approach or a hybrid one. Even in that specific context, it is crucial to be available so that people can reach out if they need; they should be put at ease and be comfortable getting in contact even to discuss sensitive matters. It is much easier to pop by someone at the coffee machine and engage in informal talks in the office. It is much easier to maintain relationships by speaking weekly than only when issues arise.

What will be the main focus for the company in the next 12 months and how do you intend to assist with this?

We have just recently launched a new strategy for the coming five years. One of the key elements is the focus on sustainability. It is a crucial topic, and many other companies are including it in their strategies —however, we are also in an industry that produces a lot of CO2 emissions. We have the responsibility and the opportunity to make things better. We have set a very ambitious target, aiming at taking the lead to change rather than just following the path. My role involves supporting those areas and in the M&A space. We have a big task to find targets that we can acquire and that fit our sustainability strategy.

What do you feel are the pros and cons of an in-house legal role compared to a private practice one?

The main pro of being in-house is that you have in-depth knowledge of the organisation. You are not only concerned with the legal side of things but also with commercial and stakeholder political aspects within the organisation. The relationships that you build with your stakeholders are easier to maintain and develop. However, the pros of a career in private practice are to be found in the possibility to interface with many different clients and situations, bringing new matters into perspectives that we would not consider in-house. They may not always have deeper knowledge because their area of expertise is usually relatively narrow. Still, when we need deep knowledge on legal matters, we always source it from outside.