Team size: Seven 

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense? 

We organised a legal repository of model contracts that is updated every time an improvement is envisaged by the team or is due by law and regulations amendments, and held periodic internal legal training discussion sessions on this.  

The team also carries out legal training sessions for other key departments to explain legal consequences of commercial negotiations on sensitive clauses of our standard contracts and the correct approach to amendments proposed by counters; the point of attention in the execution of contracts from our side; legal updates having consequences on our business; and compliance, KYC procedures, and sanctions screening update.  

Another innovation we worked out is an annual meeting organised by our shipyard for the main yachting expert lawyers we work with to share recent experience and discuss key legal issues of negotiation or performance of yacht construction contracts. Yachting is a small field, and very particular about applicable rules and regulations, and the cooperation among the (few) legal experts in the field is a key for success.  

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years? 

There will be an increased and more common use of legal tech and artificial intelligence applied to legal documents. This will help, but there is a risk of weakened legal control by counsel; hence, it is important to find a good equilibrium or strike a balance.  

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company? 

Our company is a leader in innovation in the nautical field, with particular reference to sustainability; we invest a lot in R&S, and our legal team supports the technical team in checking the legal framework for proposed innovations in new materials, eco fuels, new components for vessels and a more sustainable process of manufacturing. This check is carried out with consideration for regulations provided worldwide by class authorities and flag registers for vessels.  

We also support the cooperation our company has with universities and other research institutes.