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 world and the legal and regulatory framework for business is increasingly complex and subject to rapid change.

In a present and future such as this, it is essential that an in-house lawyer, beyond the specific legal areas of the business sector, has a generalist vision of the law, so that he or she can understand the details without ever failing to see the big picture in the legal solutions to be presented. This holistic view must include a considerable level of knowledge of the business areas being advised.

In demanding and volatile realities such as the present, soft skills are even more relevant for an in-house lawyer to be successful, especially proactivity and strategic thinking. The ability to anticipate legal issues, plan appropriate solutions and identify business opportunities hidden in regulations and laws is necessary, to avoid unnecessary and increasing risks, and find competitive strategy. This capacity will be all the greater if you have a holistic vision of the law and of the business areas mentioned

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

An in-house lawyer is only fully successful in his role if he has a strong relationship with the business partners. This relationship must be built and maintained on a day-to-day basis and requires a high level of knowledge of the business areas, their objectives, difficulties and degree of tolerance to risk, in order to better understand and help them – this is the point of being an in-house lawyer.

It also requires the ability to communicate in a clear and more informal way, without losing the core part of the message. This will encourage business teams to feel increasingly comfortable to seek out the legal department at times other than just crisis.

Finally, lawyers must want and manage to be involved in business projects from the outset, thereby acting as a business enabler who builds the company strategy – and not a mere passive spectator. These are key ways to gain business trust and demonstrate the strategic role of the legal department in the company.