Team size: Two

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

There is no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI) and platforms such as ChatGPT will have a significant impact on in-house legal teams. Legal teams will have to face questions and dilemmas that relate to their own usage of AI tools (for example, can you use AI tool to create legal and compliance documents? Can you use AI for legal reviews?) and will need to simultaneously advise other teams on their intended usage of AI (for example, R&D teams that want to use AI for coding, marketing teams that want to use it for writing blogs).

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

An in-house lawyer needs to be tech savvy and understand the company’s products, business arena, and competitive market. The in-house lawyer must put the company’s revenue stream as a top priority, maintain a service-oriented personality, and provide the required professional services to the company’s management and various departments, in a timely manner. Always do whatever you can to be a business enabler and not an obstacle. Find ways to make the deal fly, and not die. While doing so, the in-house lawyer must also act as the company’s protector by maintaining the company’s interests while minimising its risks and exposure. It all comes down to focusing on the company’s priorities while keeping an eye on any surprising factors that may catch the company off-guard.

What can law firms do to improve their service to the legal department?

Focus on being a service-oriented provider to the legal department as the in-house lawyer needs to adhere to tight deadlines and internal pressure to “get the deal done.” In addition, in 2023, law firms must be more flexible in their rates and offer higher discounts or otherwise, their clients will not hesitate to search for other alternatives.