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

We were involved in the restructuring of the network, which will be completed by 2024. We were also involved in some real estate transactions and M&A transactions with the sale of the retail group.

The shortage of raw materials and other challenges caused by the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war imposed on last year’s business adaptations and brought new constraints, new legal themes and underlying challenges.

Why are in-house lawyers well-placed to drive change within their organisations?

In-house lawyers are well placed to drive change within their organisations because they have a unique combination of the specific legal knowledge concerning the sector and the transversal knowledge concerning the strategic position and goals of the company. They can align with the business, support projects from the beginning, and help the company to be legally compliant and well supported in all situations, avoiding major legal risks.

As we live in a fast-paced world today, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

The modern in-house legal industry requires other skills than legal knowledge. In-house lawyers must be able to think ahead and be pro-business, adapting legal advice and collaborating with all teams towards the success of each project. They need to be adaptable and flexible, be heavily involved in the project and learn all about the industry. New technologies are also becoming a key issue.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

Building strong relationships with business partners requires prioritising preventive – rather than reactive – advocacy, being side-by-side with the business and providing practical solutions and proactive support to all areas. The in-house lawyer must be seen as an asset and not a problem in the company’s projects, contributing to its success.