Team size: 130

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

One of the most significant cases my legal team and I have recently been involved in is the merger of BHP’s oil and gas portfolio with Woodside, which aimed at creating a global top 10 independent energy company.

Much of our attention has also been devoted to the ongoing management of legal matters related to the Fundao dam failure in Brazil.

The legal team has supported the construction of the Jansen mine in Canada. It is planned to be the largest potash-producing mine in the world.

We have been providing ongoing legal assistance to develop and clearly express BHP’s climate change and social values and targets. Together with contributing to the review of BHP’s approach to human rights, indigenous people and responsible sourcing.

The legal departments have been pivotal in supporting BHP’s social investment in projects from blue carbon studies and reef restoration to Covid-19 response and recovery.

In addition to guiding the business through the review of the constitution in Chile, we have also put lots of effort into the unification of BHP’s corporate structure this year, removing the dual listing in the London and Sydney Stock Exchange.

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values? Are you likely to reconsider what firms you work with based on this?

Fundamental. Many of the matters we deal with daily are multi-faceted in nature. Working with law firms that understand our values and priorities is critical. Our law firms are our partners in delivering excellent legal support to the company – we must be on the same page on ESG and other key areas. We invest time in helping the firms understand our approach to this area, as it is progressive.

As we enter the next decade, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

There are many, but I will call out ESG. This is a very fast-evolving area, and societal, governmental, and employee expectations of companies are changing at pace. A legal team needs the skills to identify ESG concerns, set policies or standards, and help the company deliver its goals. Some areas are legally complex, with overlapping laws, commitments, and other obligations. You need a legal team that can help a company navigate this and who thinks far beyond the law. In BHP, we have recently established a four-strong team of ESG lawyers who are experts in the field.