What are the most significant cases and/or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The most significant transaction in the past twelve months has been entry of Link Administration Holdings Limited (ASX:LNK) into a Scheme Implementation Deed with Dye & Durham Corporation (TO:DND) under which Dye and Durham will acquire 100 percent of the share capital of Link Group by way of Scheme of Arrangement. The transaction implies an enterprise value of Link Group of $3.7bn. It is anticipated that the Scheme will be implemented in June/July 2022 and Link Group will be delisted shortly thereafter.

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

Communication has always been key to the work of in-house counsel and the pandemic impacted the way that interaction happens; connecting virtually has become standard. For a legal team which is globally dispersed, like Link’s, virtual connection has been a benefit to the individuals enabling them to spend time together and to develop strong bonds and deeper engagement. While work from home has transitioned to flexible work, the ability for in-house lawyers to choose where they work has been a strong positive. At senior levels, virtual communication has meant a greater focus on scheduling time with the team to enhance engagement and to make up for the loss of serendipitous conversations in office corridors. The pandemic has reinforced the fact that soft skills are as important as technical, and that lawyers want, and need to show, empathy and curiosity in supporting clients to make decisions.

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

In a world where full time office-based work is no longer the norm, tools which enhance collaboration and communication will be key. Technology needs to become personalised, so systems fit the organisation and the legal team rather than forcing the individuals to adapt. In this way, technology which helps lawyers to work together, and support their clients, will be key.