Team size: Seven

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

From a team perspective I think it was keeping everyone motivated and also trying to support execution of a corporate strategy in ongoing uncertain times. Even as people started to travel again later in the year, I think we started to see the real toll of the three years of covid – people had not really taken holidays and probably could not relax as much as the wanted when they did. So, we wanted to keep work enjoyable and fulfilling but it was a challenge.

From a purely legal perspective the challenge was that there was a lot of legislative change as a result of a change of government – particularly in the workplace relations space. Early days so I might hold that one for next year as we move to implementation and compliance!

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

Artificial Intelligence remains a likely game changer for matters where large volumes of data are involved. Our company is currently undertaking a digital transformation program, so we are excited about the opportunities to use contemporary software to assist us with matter and document management and compliance management. We are learning the value of data and the costs of having data that is not easily accessible or available for interpretation. Technology will continue the push for in-house lawyers to work faster and smarter.

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

A successful in-house lawyer must have a strong technical background, a commercial approach, and the ability to listen, assess and respond to others in a way that ensures the audience understand the advice given and can act on it with confidence – that is, the advice should not be technical or difficult to comprehend. They must be confident but not arrogant, and personable but also have a good sense of humour.