Team size: Two

What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

Balancing a return to the office environment against desires for flexible work is an ongoing challenge for professional services. One of the best parts of my role at Essendon Fields is having an office co-located in the asset where you can observe progress of development projects, see planes taking off and landing and walk the precinct daily. Sharing the passion and energy of the real estate leasing and development, through the team approach to deals, makes a tangible difference when you share it in person.

The aviation sector has a commonwealth white paper and sunsetting regulation considerations that will dominate the regulatory landscape for 2023 and 2024. Continuous improvement in corporate governance is a high priority for in-house legal and governance teams. Dedicating time to good governance, beyond industry compliance and meeting basic legal reporting obligations. The delivery of professional development training calendar to management and staff is a key part of the effort to improve governance and standards.

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

A digital legal task manager, as well as electronic document management software, is beneficial to running a busy in-house practice. These programs can then be broadened to use for incoming legal matters from the business. The Covid pandemic fast-tracked most company’s adoption of electronic execution, by way of the temporary regulations (now permanent in Australia) and sheer practicality of the software. Indeed, the security functions embedded within leading electronic execution software packages translates to more secure and reliable document execution.

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

Generally, aim to be your businesses best testimonial in legal and governance dealings. Lead the way in upholding governance standards, understand and action the priorities of the CEO and board, focus on obtaining deep sector knowledge, respect other practitioners and keep up to date with legislative changes and innovations.

Specifically for my industry, airport lessee corporations in Australia have a unique role in operating a safe and compliant airport, development of the airport site and managing a mixed-use precinct including sectors such as automotive, shopping centres, office, aviation and industrial, so an understanding of the multiple asset classes is required.

Personally, your reputation as a trusted adviser who retains composure and can answer, or find the answer, to any problem.