General Counsel and Company Secretary | Tennis Australia
Jacquie Mangan
General Counsel and Company Secretary | Tennis Australia
What are the most significant cases and/or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?
The most significant recent achievement of the Tennis Australia legal team was contributing to the safe operation of major international sports and entertainment events, including Australian Open 2021 and Australian Open 2022, during the pandemic. No other international events of this scale were held in Australia during this time. The team had to navigate unchartered territory. The success of these events was dependent on complex and bespoke contractual arrangements with key stakeholder groups, media rights holders, partners, and suppliers. Over the last two years, the Australian Open has played a vital role in the economic and social recovery in Australia post lockdowns. Another key achievement for the team was partnering with key stakeholders to find opportunities for people to continue to engage with tennis as a sport in a safe manner during the pandemic therefore assisting with rise in popularity of the sport over the last two years. While tennis infrastructure works around the country progressed, major redevelopment works at Melbourne Park were successfully completed, leaving a legacy at the home of the Australian Open.
How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?
The pandemic increased the reliance on in-house lawyers. The breath of legal change during the health and economic response to the pandemic created new areas of work for in-house teams.
The fact that the issues were managed and addressed at the required speed over a sustained period of time created a new base line for the responsiveness and commitment expected from general counsel and in-house legal teams. Supporting the wellbeing of team members, many of whom were working from home and isolated during lockdown, was an essential focus area for the general counsel. While physically separated, high performing legal teams became closer with the increased blending of work and home life and more united in their shared commitment to protect the business and its people in challenging times.
Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?
The pandemic has increased the pace of technological advancements. Electronic execution is now commonplace. Automated contracting continues to gain traction. Video technology has strengthened interaction with others in diverse locations. The flexibility to work anywhere, anytime has created new opportunities for in-house legal team members. These changes will impact the role of in-house legal teams into the future.
Chief legal officer | Tennis Australia
General counsel | Tennis Australia
Jacquie Mangan has served as general counsel at Tennis Australia since 2013 and has expertly guided the organisation in all legal matters pertaining to the sport, governance projects and commercial...