Team size: Five   

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? 

The legal department comprises five lawyers who provide support to all business operations in Italy. We work as one team, and I invite them to connect with each other frequently to increase cross-learning opportunities, while each lawyer keeps close relationship the division’s legal line abroad.  

This approach allows the Italian team to learn from each other on cross-business experiences and facilitate great international exposure by direct connections with foreign colleagues. All aspects of corporate compliance are key.  

I have fostered the creation of specific areas of expertise within Italy legal team aimed to develop knowledge by identifying focal points of certain complex matters that require the attention of experts in the Group.  

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

Due to expertise and experience gained over the years, general counsel will play a key role as advisor to the board, not only in legal matters, but also on soft matters where sustainability and governance expertise is required. 

What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in Italy? 

The transformation of the energy sector is profound and will be gradual. We have decided to play a vital role through the provision of services throughout the energy supply chain.  It is now very clear that decarbonisation goals and sustainability targets must be combined with energy security needs, in an increasingly globalised market that is also affected by unforeseeable tensions outside of the markets in which it operates. It is vital to establish a reasonable timeframe for developing a range of solutions on renewables while maximising domestic production.  

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? 

Shell Group operates on Shell General Business Principles; respect for the environment, for people, and for the communities where the company operates. We invest a lot in employee training and have established initiatives to encourage a culture of communication. It is crucial that everyone is comfortable enough to give feedback on how we operate, on colleagues and managers, to report inappropriate behaviour, possible violations of codes of conduct or the DE&I principles that we wholeheartedly support. Shell prides itself on its employee-centric approach within the organisation. 

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment? 

For all Shell staff, goals are performance related. I think that a culture of flexibility is very important. The professionalism of each team member is fundamental and plays key role. In Shell, DE&I is important, and we have implemented several initiatives.  

We have started offering a minimum of eight weeks paid parental leave to all non-birthing new parents, regardless of sex, gender identity and marital status; benefiting new fathers or mothers, as well as parents who welcome a child through surrogacy or adoption. It thus applies to all employees. This provision complements Shell’s current paid maternity leave program and is a concrete solution to allow all people to take the opportunity to spend more time caring for themselves and their families. 

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, you are passionate about, and why? 

I love the general counsel role; I am passionate about business matters and developments around my organisation. I think it is key for legal teams to enhance their relationship with, and knowledge of, the business to better placed to support it. Furthermore, I love managing legal resource and closely support their legal expertise and career developments.